News

July’s Global Adjustment Mechanism (GAM)e Cost: $0.74 Billion

In July 2024, the GA cost was $0.744 billion, which is a 5% decrease from the June 2024 GA cost ($0.783 billion).
If we compare July 2024 with July 2023, there was a 33% increase (it was $ 0.561 billion).

The Class B July GA rate was $63.71/MWh ($0.064/kWh). The Average HOEP for July was $37.7/MWh ($0.038/kWh)

With these drastic monthly swings in cost, Energy@Work continues to ask “why?”. We provide a monthly review of GAM costs, however, the reason for the cost as well as the vast cost fluctuation remains unclear.

Energy@Work’s services include a “GAM coach”. We maintain the importance of a GAM Strategy for Class A and Class B in order to win the (GAM)e. Our collective savings have exceeded $10 million, and we look forward to continuing to assist.


June’s Global Adjustment Mechanism (GAM)e Cost: $0.78 Billion

In June 2024, the GA cost was $0.783 billion, which is a 12% increase from the May 2024 GA cost ($0.700 billion).
If we compare June 2024 with June 2023, there was a 1% decrease (it was $ 0.788 billion).

The Class B June GA rate was $78.40/MWh ($0.078/kWh). The Average HOEP for June was $31.4/MWh ($0.031/kWh)

With these drastic monthly swings in cost, Energy@Work continues to ask “why?”. We provide a monthly review of GAM costs, however, the reason for the cost as well as the vast cost fluctuation remains unclear.

Energy@Work’s services include a “GAM coach”. We maintain the importance of a GAM Strategy for Class A and Class B in order to win the (GAM)e. Our collective savings have exceeded $10 million, and we look forward to continuing to assist.


May’s Global Adjustment Mechanism (GAM)e Cost: $0.70 Billion

In May 2024, the GA cost was $0.70 billion. Which is a 7% increase from April 2024 GA cost of $0.65 billion.

The Class B March GA rate was $77.63/MWh ($0.078/kWh). The Average HOEP for May was $28.4/MWh ($0.028/kWh)

With these drastic monthly swings in cost, Energy@Work continues to ask “why?”. We provide a monthly review of GAM costs, however, the reason for the cost as well as the vast cost fluctuation remains unclear.

Energy@Work’s services include a “GAM coach”. We maintain the importance of a GAM Strategy for Class A and Class B in order to win the (GAM)e. Our collective savings have exceeded $10 million, and we look forward to continuing to assist.


April’s Global Adjustment Mechanism (GAM)e Cost: $0.65 Billion

In April 2024, GA cost was $0.65 billion. This is a 18% decrease from March 2024 GA of $0.80 billion.

If we compare April 2024 with April 2023, there was a 25% decrease (it was $0.88 billion).

The Class B April GA rate was $74.27/MWh ($0.074/kWh)

The Average HOEP for April was $29.1/MWh ($0.029/kWh

With these drastic monthly swings in cost, Energy@Work continues to ask “why?”.

We provide a monthly review of GAM costs, however, the reason for the cost as well as the vast cost fluctuation remains a mystery.

Energy@Work’s services include a “GAM coach”. We maintain the importance of a GAM Strategy for Class A and Class B in order to win the (GAM)e. Our collective savings have exceeded $10 million, and we look forward to continuing to assist.


Monthly Feature: Energy & Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB) + Benefits & Challenges

On May 29th and June 19th, we hosted two insightful webinars for condominium managers focused on Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB).

The webinars provided invaluable insights and practical guidance to help you excel in benchmarking.
 
Participants earned 1 CPE Credit!
Participants of this webinar earned 1 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit, as it is included in the CMRAO’s approved list of activities. This is a fantastic opportunity for professional development while gaining valuable insights into EWRB.
  
Topics Covered:

  • Compliance with Ontario Regulation 506/18 and Toronto By-law 367: Led by industry expert Scott Rouse, the webinar covered the submission process in detail, ensuring participants understand the requirements for compliance.

  • Benefits of Regulatory Compliance: From cost savings to environmental sustainability, the webinar highlighted the myriad benefits of adhering to these regulations.

  • Overcoming Challenges: Addressed common challenges faced by condominium managers, offering strategies and insights to navigate them with ease.

  • This webinar equipped condominium managers with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in EWRB, enhancing their professional skills and understanding of compliance requirements.


Embracing Operational Fundamentals in Today's Commercial Office Environment

A few years ago, the corporate landscape was abuzz with high-cost strategies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. The practicality of these approaches often went unquestioned in many circles, while others opted for them primarily for their marketing appeal, rather than investing in real and sustainable improvements.

Having witnessed the roller coaster highs and lows of the Triple Bottom Line and the Ontario Green Plan, Energy@Work has remained steadfast in our focus on results. Our commitment to generating sustainable savings and environmental improvements has only been strengthened, driven by the growing urgency for action. With our eyes on the horizon and our feet on the ground, we adapt our strategies to align with the practical realities of our clients' diverse needs.

We utilize tools such as PESTEL analysis to gain insights and tailor decarbonization strategies, especially in the short term. Crafting a strategy that considers factors like vacancies, interest rates, capital constraints, and incentive programs encourages proactive measures for achieving sustainable outcomes.

Sustainability is a non-negotiable outcome for every organization, with the pace of adoption as a key variable across industries. Maximizing energy efficiency remains the crucial first step in any strategy—a concept powerfully captured in the classic IBM green ad:

Stop Talking: Where do I sign?

Ready to act?

Sustainability isn't a buzzword—it's a necessary paradigm shift in how we think about and engage together for our world, today and tomorrow. If you're ready to go beyond talk to tangible action, reach out to us. Let's make a difference together. 

For more information email: Requests@Energy-Efficiency.com


Congratulations to Gabriela Guinzani on Achieving a PMVA-A Designation!

Energy@Work is proud to congratulate Gabriela Guinzani, Energy Analyst, on achieving her PMVA-A Designation!

The Performance Measurement and Verification Analyst (PMVA) designation is a certification offered by the Efficiency Valuation Organization (EVO).

Having a PMVA designation signifies that an individual has the expertise to apply performance measurement and verification concepts to energy efficiency projects. Individuals with this designation possess demonstrated capabilities in measurement and verification, including a solid understanding of applying the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) to determine savings.

Congratulations, Gabriela!


Recognizing Achievement: 2024 AEEGTA Wrench of the Year Awards

Congratulations to all the 2023 AEEGTA Wrench of the Year Award Winners! 
 
We would like to extend our congratulations to the passionate individuals recognized at the AEEGTA Annual Awards and Networking Night held last Wednesday, April 24th. 

We had a great time celebrating the Wrench of Year Award winners at the awards ceremony!

Each year, the Association of Energy Engineers Greater Toronto Area (AEEGTA) acknowledges outstanding individuals and companies that “best exemplify the spirit of hard work, hands-on responsibility, and determination.”

https://www.aeegta.org/awards

We are proud to share that among the winners were some exceptional individuals and organizations that Energy@Work had the privilege to nominate and collaborate with.
 
We would like to make a special mention to:

DREAM Corporation - Winner of the Corporate Energy Management Award: for their efforts to develop and maintain a comprehensive energy management program to maximize energy efficiency.

Tony Kopteridis - Winner of the Wrench of the Year Award: For his direct contribution to the implementation of the Energy Management Plan (E-MAP), a project that aims to implement on-going improvements in reducing utility consumption without compromising safety or tenant comfort.

Michael Parman - Winner of the Wrench of the Year Award: For his direct contribution to the implementation of the Energy Management Plan (E-MAP), a project that aims to implement on-going improvements in reducing utility consumption without compromising safety or tenant comfort.

Once again, congratulations to all the winners! Your achievements are an inspiration to us all.


Insights from Scott Rouse on REMI Network's "Industry Insights" Podcast

Click Here to Watch the Video Podcast Episode!

REMI Network's 2023 "Industry Insights" video podcast series featured Energy@Work’s Managing Partner, Scott Rouse. Although this episode originally aired on September 18, 2023, its insights continue to resonate today.

In this episode, Scott shared valuable insights on enhancing business performance through Economic Prosperity, Environmental Performance, and Social Responsibility.

Additionally, he also discusses Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx), a systematic process for ensuring that existing buildings operate efficiently and effectively. EBCx involves four key steps: planning, investigation, implementation, and persistence.

The insights shared by Scott remain as relevant and impactful as ever. His dedication to driving meaningful change within the industry continues to inspire and empower businesses to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity.

On a similar note! – If you are interested in discovering opportunities to enhance efficiency in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs)
 
Join us on May 7th, 2024, as industry experts Scott Rouse and Stephen Dixon share invaluable insights that can revolutionize your approach to operational optimization. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to hear compelling case studies validating the effectiveness of RETScreen from guest speakers Benjamin Calma and Chris Shilton.
 
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Click here to register!


Climate, Carbon, and Sustainability Regulations: What can we expect to see 2024 to 2026?

“The sustainability train is on the tracks, it’s just a matter of how quickly it will reach its destination”

Municipally

The City of Toronto (CoT) created by-law 367 on December 15th, 2023, which comes into effect this year. Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB) is required for buildings over 50,000 sqft and is similar to the Ministry of Energy (MoE) O. Reg 506/18.  The difference is the penalty for not reporting that is in place. However, it is unlikely to be implemented for the next several years.

The CoT is also monitoring other jurisdictions, such as the City of New York’s by-law 97:
https://www.nyc.gov/site/sustainablebuildings/ll97/local-law-97.page

We are expecting to see more changes as the CoT Net Zero target by 2040 approaches.

In 2024:

  • April 25th: Energy@Work provided a webinar for the City of Toronto on our experiences reporting and the value it brings. A recording of the presentation will be included in our newsletter when it becomes available.

  • Concurrently certifying over 100 buildings to meet both city and municipal mandates (Ontario O.Reg 506/18 and Toronto’s By-Law 367)

Provincially

Ontario’ EWRB survived the Conservative’s repeal of the 2009 Green Energy Act and EWRB was transferred as Ont. Reg. 506/18 under the Electricity Act, January 1, 2019.  This year, large buildings over 50,000 sqft must report energy and water by July 1st. In addition, Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) was transferred from the utilities to the IESO with significant program cuts on March 19th, 2019.

Both are great examples of how government policy changes can impact energy management and conservation efforts.

We are not anticipating significant changes in the next several years from the provincial government with an election set for June 2026.

Federally

The federal government target of Net Zero by 2050 has resulted in several program changes.  The most significant being:

  • The Carbon Tax has become very controversial.

  • Funding envelopes to help companies achieve carbon reductions.

The Liberals and New Democrats have agreed on an alliance that is tenuous but will probably hold until the next federal election scheduled for October 2025. It is therefore unlikely to see a significant change that would affect the commercial sector.
 
Private sector response

Peer pressure and competition are most likely to have the biggest impact as companies work to better position themselves.  Carbon and cost reduction have been significant drivers through operational improvements vs capital because of high costs and interest rates. An Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP) that targets reductions are in demand, providing they can demonstrate results.
 
We would love to keep this conversation going! If you have any questions or comments on the above, or if you see things changing in other ways, we’d love to hear from you!
 
Reach out at requests@energy-efficiency.com