EnergyHub Pilot Program at Travis Air Force Base
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. -- Balfour Beatty Capital Group, Inc. today announced that its subsidiaries Balfour Beatty Communities, LLC (BBC) and Balfour Beatty Energy Solutions, LLC (BB Energy) are collaborating on a joint energy technology and behavior change pilot project committed to conserving energy and reducing costs for military base residents. The pilot Resident Energy Technology Program will be implemented at Travis Air Force Base in California, which is part of BBC's AMC West military housing privatization project, and will focus on energy conservation and cost savings for residents through the implementation of state-of-the-art smart in-home energy monitoring devices and behavior change coaching techniques. BB Energy will provide this pilot program at no cost to the military housing project and will be assisted by third-party energy management companies Ennovationz and EnergyHub, Inc. in providing the technology and related resident communication services. The pilot project is being called INergY: the Change is In You.
Across the Department of Defense, energy conservation programs are underway with a goal to reduce our overall energy consumption in the US by 20%; ultimately reducing our dependency on foreign energy. The Office of the Secretary of Defense, with Congressional support, has required each military branch to work with their respective privatized family housing partner to develop procedures for military members to be responsible for their energy consumption. Many residents in privatized military housing are consuming energy at approximately 35% above the expected consumption for their house type. This could translate into out-of-pocket expenses for all of our U.S. service members and their families once military housing residents begin paying for individual energy use without the knowledge of techniques to conserve gas and electric.
"Our team of experts has chosen Travis AFB as the pilot site for this important, first of its kind study for a variety of reasons, one of which is that Travis AFB residents are at a significantly higher risk for facing considerable price increases once the partnership changes its energy purchasing practices," said Tabitha Crawford, Division President of BB Energy. "In this pilot program, we will work with residents to identify specific behaviors that cause high energy use, and help change these behaviors with a combination of providing real-time access to consumption information via smart in-home devices and coaching residents using specific feedback."
The objective of the Resident Energy Technology Program is to provide both technologically advanced tools and customized coaching from energy experts to help military residents lower their energy consumption and therefore minimize the total cost of their energy use. The study will utilize a variety of elements and procedures to achieve this goal, including energy monitors, prizes and rewards, energy saving technologies and energy audits, and coaching sessions.
"Reducing global energy consumption and promoting the use and discovery of renewable resources are at the forefront of every conversation about the future. This includes discussions among Air Force officials who recently announced a Department-wide new energy plan," said Bruce Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty Capital Group. "This is an ideal time to move forward with this pilot project at Travis AFB, and we look forward to seeing the results produced through this partnership between BB Energy and BBC and refining the findings into actionable items and programs that will serve the best interests of our residents."
About Balfour Beatty Energy Solutions
Balfour Beatty Energy Solutions, LLC (BB Energy), a subsidiary of Balfour Beatty Capital Group, Inc., provides Energy Services Programs that identify and execute cost-saving renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Working with Public-Private Partnerships (PPP/P3), communities and the commercial sector, the company offers solutions in four main categories of business: renewable energy, energy efficiency, utilities management, and sustainability initiatives.
About Balfour Beatty Communities
Balfour Beatty Communities, LLC, a subsidiary of Balfour Beatty Capital Group, Inc., is responsible for the development, renovation, operation and management of military privatization housing projects for the U.S. Departments of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The company is a leader in the military housing Public-Private Partnership (PPP or P3) industry, and provides services to members of the U.S. military and their families residing on or near 44 bases located in 20 states and Washington, DC.
About EnergyHub, Inc.
EnergyHub, Inc. is the consumer face of the Smart Grid, helping homeowners reduce energy consumption and save money. EnergyHub produces smart, simple, and cost-effective energy management tools that strengthen the relationship between consumers and utilities and help solve today's energy problems. For more information on EnergyHub email press@energyhub.net.
