And extra power generated on the corporate customer's premises can be sold by Calpine back to the grid. In 2000, the company started a subsidiary, Chevron Energy Solutions, to make money by helping customers save money. The Chevron unit does an analysis of a client's power usage, then develops money-saving strategies. The company has found that one size does not fit all. Convenience stores, for example, can often save power and money simply by installing new lighting.
Refrigeration presents another opportunity to reduce energy use, for both small and large customers.
Large energy users can take advantage of more elaborate energy-saving schemes, Davis says, because the potential for saving money is so much greater. Interest in conservation has spiked recently with the arrival of the California energy crisis, Davis says. The financial benefits of energy efficiency can go beyond electricity savings. And because people like the new lighting and ventilation, Miceli expects it will be easier to find and keep tenants. Customers can hand off all of their energy management needs to Duke.