Photon Energy Corporation subsidiary Excite Energy LLC launched a new energy affinity program this week in Texas. In an announcement, the registered power aggregator says they will work with member organizations and associations to develop custom energy programs to help members save money on electricity.
Excite Energy says they have rolled out the new affinity program for a “prominent Gulf Coast chamber of commerce,” but didn’t name it in the public announcement. The aggregator employs professional power brokers who can analyze power bills and negotiate better rates for members, according to the announcement. “This will directly impact savings on monthly utility bills in Texas.” Currently Excite Energy is listed as a member of the Sherman Chamber of Commerce.
New York City-based Good Energy, which has affinity programs for associations, chambers of commerce, and places of worship, describes how this approach leverages the buying power of aggregating numerous commercial energy accounts.
“It may sound simple, but in point of fact, building and operating a successful affinity program requires a great deal of coordination with both the organization and its members, extensive utility analysis in order to determine the degree of opportunity, and diligent, steadfast supplier negotiation in order to achieve the best possible program structure for participants,” Good Energy’s site says.
Other energy affinity programs exist nationwide, including ones from Genie Energy subsidiary IDT Energy and the North American gas, electricity, and green energy provider Just Energy.
Procuring energy through aggregators like Good Energy and Excite Energy has become a viable business option that has only expanded in the past year. Previously used primarily for residential customers, the power aggregation approach is growing among industrial, commercial and municipal customers, Good Energy managing partner and director of sales Charles de Casteja told Energy Manager Today last year.
“Energy managers often think they need to take action,” he said. “In some cases, in some states, they may not have to take action to make the best deal.”
