Luthin Associates partnered with a host of other firms and ConEdison in the NY Prize competition, a first-in-the-nation challenge to help communities create microgrids.

A microgrid is a standalone energy system that is capable of operating on its own in the event of a power outage. One purpose of the project is to create a network of users who rely on the same microgrid. This community of microgrids will allow for local power generation using clean and efficient energy sources including, but not limited to, wind, solar, and combined heat and power (CHP).

A large data center purchased and renovated a building. They planned on expanding the facility in the future and asked the utility to provide an electric service capable of supplying 6 MW. The utility ruled that the electric service request was “excess” since the facility’s current requirements were less than 2 MW. The cost of the “excess” service would be almost $6 million. The utility suggested that the customer should apply for a special rate that would allow them to pay the additional costs over time. The customer was unaware that the total cost over the 20-year life cycle would exceed $20 million. Also, the utility did not bill the customer correctly and delayed the billing for two years.

A major university approached Luthin Associates to develop a plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% over a ten-year period. Luthin worked directly with facilities, financial services, students, and faculty to create a sustainability committee. The committee developed a Whole Health Energy Plan that would enable the customer to meet its goals and increase the sustainability of its campuses, which comprised more than 40 buildings and over 3 million square feet.

After conducting a benchmarking study for a chain of hardware stores, 5 found that one of the client’s locations used considerably more energy per square foot than any of their other stores.

5 conducted a benchmarking analysis for a national chain of quick-serve restaurants. The goal of the study was to understand how electricity consumption varied across four distinct designs currently being utilized for their restaurants.

In 2012, a global leader in the explosives industry was seeking an end-to-end energy advisory service to provide a holistic strategy for reducing and controlling energy costs. The client decided to work with 5 based on the experiences of the team and the personal reputation of Todd Clift, 5’s Senior Energy Advisor in Central Texas. As is the case with all new client engagements, 5 took the time to analyze and understand the client’s usage patterns, peak demand, operational needs, and long-term goals.

Not only did 5 create and implement a procurement strategy that has been modified and utilized several times since that first year, but the team also performed a tax audit and found that the client was eligible for a tax rebate after a predominant use study showed that more than 51% of their operations were related to manufacturing. 5 engaged the help of a licensed professional engineer to complete the predominant use study and assisted the client in requesting a refund from the previous four years through the state comptroller.

5 is proud to serve this innovative client with procurement, demand-side management, and other cost-saving initiatives as this industry leader continues to expand and innovate.

Irving, TX - May 23, 2012

“We started 5 because it’s absolutely the best platform from which to help people”, said Brian Hayduk, the President and a partner. “My partners and I have spent our entire time in the industry on the supplier side and it always felt like we were trying to help customers with one arm tied behind our back.” The partners decided to take their expertise that spans every aspect of the retail industry and truly bring it to the customer’s side of the table. The 5 team is comprised of former industry executives including the CEO, Presidents, COO, and Board Member for large retailers and Board Member of the Commodity Exchange and NYMEX.