Meet Two of Our Sustainability Experts!
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Since CES’ inception, we have been involved in sustainability analyses in every sector of the economy, including corporations, colleges and universities, private businesses, public institutions, non-profits, and municipalities. We’ve also helped our customers participate in and benefit from some of the largest renewable energy initiatives in the region. As costs for renewable technologies continue to become more affordable and more states are offering grants and incentives for new investments, sustainability is front and center for many businesses. CES’ sustainability experts are available to advise clients on everything from PPAs, greenhouse gas emission tracking, renewable energy credits, carbon offsets, battery storage, climate action planning, alternative fuel analysis and procurement, and more.
Meet two of our sustainability experts, who are always available to help advise companies on energy sustainability initiatives.
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Eben Perkins, Managing Director of Consulting Services
Eben Perkins joined CES in 2016 as the Director of Special Projects and currently holds the title of Managing Director of Consulting Services. Eben assists with consulting projects and other analytical tasks for CES’ executive team. He previously worked at Iberdrola (CMP) where he was the Manager of Smart Grid Planning and Programs. While at CMP, he also worked extensively with CES CEO Dr. Rich Silkman on GridSolar related projects. He has also worked at Tilson Technology Management and Energy Market Innovations.
“I’ve always thought it’s amazing that we’re able to flip a switch and have reliable electricity on demand. It’s an amazing feat when you think about it. This interest led me into the energy field, and I’ve fortunately had the opportunity to work across regulated and deregulated areas of the electric sector. The transition currently underway towards a low-carbon global energy system is monumental, and it’s a lot of fun to be able to work in an industry that is so in flux. There’s always something interesting and new to learn. I also get a great deal of satisfaction working with our clients, one of my favorite aspects of working at CES is that we get a window into so many other industries and activities through working with our customers.”
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Simon Pritchard, Director of Analytics
Simon Pritchard joined CES as an Energy Analyst in July 2016 and was promoted to Director of Analytics in 2021. He assists full-service and consulting clients in the corporate, higher education, and public sectors on projects ranging from market and regulatory monitoring, energy budgeting, and demand management to renewable energy project evaluation and sustainability planning. As part of his work at CES, Simon oversees the competitive bid process for the sale of clients’ Renewable Energy Credits. He holds a B.A. in Government and Legal Studies and Environmental Studies from Bowdoin College.
“Coming out of college I knew wanted to find a career that would engage my love of problem-solving, my passion for addressing environmental issues, and allow me to live in the beautiful state of Maine. I’ve found CES to be the perfect path for this journey. I love the objective, big picture approach we take to our client work, which not only earns and proves the trust that our clients put in us, but also allows us to effectively evaluate the opportunities that make the most sense for each client’s specific situation and goals. I’m so excited to be in a space that is constantly changing and challenging me to learn and adapt in new ways every day.”
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To learn more about how CES can help your organization with energy sustainability options, please contact your Energy Services Advisor or send an email to Eben or Simon. |
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WHAT IS A REC?
by Simon Pritchard, Director of Analytics
“What is a REC?” is the latest educational installment of CES University in which Director of Analytics, Simon Pritchard, covers the key points of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). From the process of generating RECs in compliance with Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) to what you need to know about procuring renewable energy – including the cost and risk involved – this instructive piece provides you with the foundation needed to kick-start conversations about renewable energy goals. For more information on RECs and Renewable Portfolio Standards, visit the CES website today and reach out to Simon and/or your Energy Services Advisor.
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What You Should Know About VPPAs
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By allowing an organization to invest in renewable projects anywhere in the country, Virtual Power Purchasing Agreements (VPPAs) give buyers access to the benefits of locations that are able to support larger, higher performance projects, or have more favorable legislation. By contracting with larger-scale projects, VPPAs enable buyers to satisfy a large portion of their sustainability goals and access more attractive pricing, while supporting a new, renewable project.
VPPAs are growing in popularity as an alternative to unbundled REC purchases, offering a direct path to new renewable development opportunities and possible economic benefits. The benefits of purchasing RECs via a VPPA include:
- Supports New Renewable Energy Generation, Achieving “Additionality”
- Potential for Cost Savings and/or Hedging Benefits
- Access to Projects Out-of-Region Participation
- REC Flexibility
Competitive Energy Services helps clients evaluate and negotiate contracts, purchase RECs, and offers future economic modeling. To learn more about how your organization can participate in VPPAs, download the PDF below and contact Zac Bloom, Vice President, Head of Sustainability and Renewables at zbloom@competitive-energy.com or at (617) 237-6497. |
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In business for more than 80 years, Pride Manufacturing is the world’s largest maker of custom, engineered wood products, including golf tees, cigar tips, toys, home décor, tobacco, and lawn/garden products.
Competitive Energy Services LLC (CES) works with Pride Manufacturing to establish and build its annual energy budget and track energy consumption and cost variances relative to their energy budget. While helping Pride Manufacturing seek opportunities to reduce energy costs, CES also works with the company to procure energy supply to meet budgeting goals, manage electric loads during system peaks, and guides the company in the pursuit and management of net energy billing credits.
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“Working with the Pride team has been wonderfully productive and collaborative. CES provides energy market insights to manage energy costs, and the Pride team quickly implements and optimizes those tools for their benefit. Some of these projects have included pursuit of efficiency and load response opportunities, and the financial and environmental benefits of local renewable energy programs. Pride’s approach to business in maintaining a high-level of quality in their brand is impressive and demonstrates their admirable Maine work ethic – and is an example of a solid business model to companies everywhere,” said Charlie Agnew, Managing Director of Energy Services, CES |
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The Pride name is more than just a name. It’s a company philosophy and a way of being. The equipment they use to manufacture their product lines, for instance, is customized for product precision and excellence and is unique to their global market. Part of the company’s intellectual and business advantage is their attention to detail, efficiency, and quality, which has earned them customers around the globe.
“After over a year of working remotely, it was such a pleasure to meet with a client in person and see their energy use in action. Pride generously took us on a full tour of the mill, and it was fascinating to see the complete process of trees coming into the lumber yard and coming out at the end as golf tees. The integrity and craftmanship was evident in each part of the process,” said Lydia Jopp, Senior Pricing Associate, CES
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Through Road Trip, Competitive Energy Services features various energy infrastructure projects – road trip style. We have always enjoyed visiting and learning about the physical energy infrastructure that powers our world. Our colleagues, families, and friends are often subject to detours on business trips and family vacations. |
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The CES Team is Celebrating |
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CES is always pleased to recognize and celebrate exceptional work from our team members. Please join us in congratulating Aaron Rubin and Gwyneth Roberts who were recently promoted to Senior Energy Analysts.
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Gwyneth Roberts
Gwyneth Roberts joined Competitive Energy Services as an Energy Analyst in 2020 and was promoted to Senior Energy Analyst in 2021. Gwyneth is responsible for the development and application of analytic tools used at CES, as well as battery storage performance evaluation, data management, market analysis, and regulatory monitoring. Her interests include offshore wind and renewable energy grid integration. She holds a B.A. in Applied Mathematics and a B.S. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Maine.
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Aaron Rubin
Aaron Rubin joined CES as an Energy Analyst in 2020 and was promoted to Senior Energy Analyst in 2021. Aaron’s primary responsibilities are energy budgeting, commodity markets research, greenhouse gas accounting, sustainability initiatives, and data management. His interests at CES include data visualization, financial modeling for energy projects, & renewable power policy. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Government & Legal Studies from Bowdoin College.
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Staff Picks: Zac's Pick...
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This popular business book (published by Penguin/Portfolio) explores the vision, virtues, and mindset needed for aspiring conscious leaders, providing a roadmap for innovative, value-based leadership in business and society. Co-author John Mackey is CEO of Whole Foods Market and co-author of the acclaimed 2013 book: Conscious Capitalism. And coauthor Carter Phipps is co-founder of the Institute for Cultural Evolution and author of the 2012 book: Evolutionaries.
It is a well-established truth that an organization’s potential is constrained by the capacities of its leaders. One of the best ways to improve an organization is therefore to evolve the personal and professional capacities of those who lead it. This is the mission of Conscious Leadership. The book defines conscious leaders as those who are “driven by service to the organization’s higher purpose, all the people that it touches, and the planet we all share together.” Each chapter includes anecdotes, case studies, profiles of conscious leaders, and innovative techniques for self-development.
Conscious Leadership culminates in an empowering call to action for leaders who can see beyond the bottom line.
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