The Future of Energy Management

Gone are the days when only large organizations and businesses with mammoth sized budgets were the ones who had the ability to control their energy efficiency fates (so to speak). A new era is dawning where small companies (the majority of businesses that exist) will be able to have tools just as sophisticated and effective as those used by Boeing. FCI has partnered with Siemens to offer their new EcoView, a no nonsense energy management system, that allows businesses 10,000 sq. ft. and smaller to enjoy the power and privilege of a more efficient operation. Priced competitively, easy to set up and use (you can control it remotely from an iPhone or iPad), and an ROI of about less that 24 months (usually), it has all the ingredients needed to help small companies take their operations to the next level and save a nice chunk of change in the process. One of FCI's core values has always been innovation and we are excited to help lead the way in this new era of broader energy management opportunities by offering this "cool" new system to our amazing clients. 

FCI is intuned and aware that what customers look for is a system that is efficient, effective and user friendly. FCI and EcoView can deliver this to its customers at a competitive price.  This system is also unique because of it's ability to help small companies and large companies.  This new offering is about helping ALL of our customers achieve maximum energy effiency.

For more information on the FCI and Siemens system partnership of EcoView, contact FCI Management Consultants at (562) 719-9300.

Smarter Energy Management Is Not Just For Big Business Anymore

The playing field is greatly leveling out in the energy world for small business as it relates to sophisticated ways to manage energy usage. At one time not long ago, the only folks seemingly permitted to control their energy destiny were the highly paid energy and facilities managers for huge companies. Now smaller franchises and "mom and pops" types are able to get into the game and keep a better handle on their energy expenditures. FCI is proud to announce that we have recently partnered with a huge firm (and widely recognized) to help pioneer this new opportunity. There will be more news on this soon from us, but in the meantime, get excited if you are a small business owner looking to competitively position your establishment in the green revolution. You can contact FCI Management Consultants at (562) 719-9300 or at fcimgt@fcimgt.com if you have any further inquiries.

FCI's Exciting Parternship with AMTC-Innovative Solutions to Water Conservation!

During the first quarter of the 2012 year, FCI is establishing partnerships with various diverse corporations to continue to provide energy efficient alternatives in energy conservation and sustainability.  In order to progress, FCI is diving into more savings and opportunities to offer their customers to fulfill the entire building’s envelope with as many measures and solutions feasible.  FCI’s most recent news derives from Gabriel Starkman, a representative of Advanced Modern Technologies Corporation, whom discusses new found territory in water usage. 

Advanced Modern Technologies Corporation (AMTC) is in the business of innovating and manufacturing advanced, unique and reliable automatic plumbing systems for the commercial and residential markets in the United States and Worldwide.  AMTC's patented highly reliable washroom systems cost effectively address every facility's need for water conservation, improved hygiene, and enhanced overall image in the washroom.  The award winning products from AMTC are easy to install and maintain, have a quick pay-back in water savings, and deliver on their promised performance.  AMTC's automatic washroom systems feature, AXIO Touch Free Technology, an innovative proprietary technology delivering accurate, dependable, and reliable washroom automation performance.

What can this bring to our customers? FCI’s partnership with AMTC will provide innovative washroom solutions.  Their products make a direct impact on water usage, especially with an optimal application. 

For example, the HYBRIDFLUSH is an automatic flush valve that combines the reliability of a manual flush valve and the functionality and advantages of an automatic flush valve.  If you do not want to install new toilets, they have an alternative called HALF-FLUSH or DUALFLUSH, which are water saving flush handles that quickly, easily, and cost effectively convert your urinals and water closets (toilets) into water-saving fixtures; save 30% to 50% water per flush. 

In addition, the HYBRIDFLO is an automatic faucet that incorporates proprietary brass cam gear technology to achieve an industry leading level of reliability; save up to 70% water.  In order to wash your hand properly, the AUTOMATIC SOAP DISPENSER SYSTEM is a reliable cam gear technology, which has an easy universal refillable soap container making this system very economical. 

The ideal client is advised to request for an appointment for a full energy assessment by FCI’s Energy Service Representative to give them an understanding of all the available rebates, incentives and efficient products recommended to reduce their overall bottom line. 

For more information regarding FCI or AMTC, please contact us immediately for management and consultation via phone (562) 719-933 or email fcimgt@fcimgt.com.

FCI Looking to Shake Things Up With Ozone Laundry Systems

With innovation being one of FCI's core values, we are always looking for cutting edge technologies to introduce to our client base. The newest addition to our product portfolio is AscendWash, an ozone supported laundry (OSL) system. Believe it or not, on premise laundry (OPL) is one of the largest operational expenditures in a property. Ozone systems greatly reduce these costs while doing a better job of laundry cleaning. FCI is partnering with E3 Pros to bring our clients this great new product that will reduce operational costs and disinfect laundry more effectively. Contact us today for a no obligation savings analysis on how AscendWash can work for you!

T-12 Lamps Will Be History in 2012

All good things must come to an end to make way for better ones. T-12 lamps with magnetic ballasts, most commonly found in office buildings and warehouses, will be phased out of production in the summer of 2012. Thus, the rebates an incentives that are offered to businesses to replace this old technology with the newer T-8 lamp with electronic ballast are expiring in 2012 as well. This is the perfect time to get your lighting upgraded, improve your facility, and reduce operational costs. A lighting retrofit is one of the simplest and quickest ways to boost your bottom line and increase facility efficiency. So what are you waiting for? Contact FCI today to start saving, before it's too late.

FCI Rolls Out Rytec High Speed Doors

FCI is excited to announce that we are now offering a new product, High Speed Doors, which are made by Rytec Corporation (Rytec Doors). Rytec doors reduce the energy costs that are prevalent in industries that need to keep the interior temperatures of their facilities at a specific level, such as cold storage facilities. The California IOU's (Investor Owned Utilities) are offering significant rebates and incentives for the installation of high speed doors, some offer up to 100% of the cost. Rytec High Speed Doors are ideal for cold storage and refrigerated warehouses, automobile dealerships, car wash and truck wash, apartment, condo, and loft parking, and much more. To find out more about this awesome new product that we offer,contact FCI at (562) 719-9300.

FCI Partners With Pasadena Water and Power To Implement SBDI Program

FCI is now working with Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) to implement its Small Business and Direct Install (SBDI) program. With PWP, FCI will identify customers that qualify for an assortment of measures such as LED lighting, Electronically Commutated Motors (ECM), Anti Sweat Controls, HVAC work, and water products. PWP is taking a comprehensive approach as it relates to serving their customers. FCI is excited to be a part of this new endeavor and we look forward to serving the city of Pasadena.

FCI Performs Massive Energy Assessment For Mattel Inc.!!!

FCI is excited to announce that we are performing an energy assessment for toy juggernaut, Mattel Inc. We will provide Mattel with recommended solutions that will assist them in reducing their energy load and carbon imprint, while simultaneously maintaining and/or enhancing the comfort ability, aesthetics, and safety of their facilities. We are providing Mattel with information that will help them decrease their utility bills and efficiently use their current lighting, HVAC, and water equipment. FCI is honored to be working with this globally recognized brand that is concerned about the environment. More updates soon!!!

FCI Rolling Up Our Sleeves for US Bank Project

FCI is excited to announce that we are working with US Bank to make many of their California branches more energy efficient. US Bank has been assertive with their efforts to "invest in environmentally beneficial business opportunities". So far, FCI has done energy assessments on approximately 120 branches throughout California. Lighting efficiency is the primary focus of the project; however HVAC, Water, and Demand Response opportunities are also under consideration.We are elated to be working with a company that is committed to reducing their impact on energy consumption and carbon emissions. To read more on US Bank's conservation activities, visit USbancorp.

FCI Looking To Make a Splash in the California Water Association

FCI was present at the California Water Association (CWA) business fair this past week that was held at the Santa Fe Springs Town Hall. The CWA held this event to promote and welcome contractors to the California Water Utilities' Supplier Diversity Program, which provides procurement opportunities for minority-, women-, and disabled veteran-owned business enterprises. The CWA is a trade association of investor-owned water utilities providing high-quality water utility services to nearly 6 million people throughout California. FCI has been focusing heavily on its water conservation efforts over the past several months and the opportunities available from this program are a perfect fit for our services. We met several key people and companies who are instrumental in the success and management of the  California Water Utilities' Supplier Diversity Program. We look forward to developing these relationships and serving the CWA in its water conservation efforts.

What If You Could Buy Energy From Your Favorite Department Store?

As the economy is still trying nurse itself back to health, all types of businesses are looking for new revenue models not only to stay competitive, but to survive. A new phenomena is starting to catch fire in the energy world, starting in the UK. Marks and Spencer, a well known retail chain (similar to Macy's) has become an electricity seller. M&S Energy, which is the company's energy division has a website that almost rivals well established utility companies. M&S seems to be a fish in water as they use their marketing and customer service prowess to attract their already loyal customer base to their energy services. This idea is quite ground breaking and actually makes a lot of sense. Most customers who live in deregulated energy markets are unaware that other alternative energy providers even exists because these providers don't have the marketing dollars to penetrate established utilities' market shares. Companies like M&S are well positioned to take advantage of deregulation because of their large capital, marketing savvy, customer loyalty, and growing disdain/distrust of utility companies. We see hints of this business model forming in the US. Retail juggernauts such as Amazon.com and Costco sell solar roof panels.Who wouldn't want to buy energy from their favorite retailer anyway? Being able to pick up a brand new pair of Hugo Boss loafers and pay my energy bill in tandem sounds sort of appealing.

Why Should You Do Business With FCI?

There are several energy consulting companies in the energy sector that are excellent at what they do. Yet, there are few that have as broad of a range of specialties as FCI. Most energy consulting companies have only one niche (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) therefore only assisting their clients in one area. FCI'S holistic approach allows us to serve the diversified needs of our clients, which also allows them drastically cut project costs when working with us (as oppose to several different contractors looking for their piece of the pie). So what does this mean to you?


Utilities/ Government Entities-FCI has a long history of working with uutility companies and providing them with solutions that allow them to achieve maximum results without micro management. Take a look at our affiliations/clients on our website. Over the course of the last 6-8 years, we have serviced over 70,000 small businesses through our utility relationships. We not only help out our utility clients with their small business customers, we also serve 200kW+ customers as well as power line infrastructure project management and agricultural retro-commissioning.

Commercial Clients- We are able to service your facilities in a more comprehensive manner. We not only can replace your old energy consuming lighting hardware with the newest state of the art equipment, we can also revamp you restrooms with advanced water conservation technology that will lead to better use of water resources for your company. FCI has experienced HVAC technicians that can give an overhaul to your current heating ventilation and air conditioning systems that will allow your building occupants to be more comfortable and make sure that the system is operating at maximum efficiency. We can help your business participate in load shifting during critical energy peak demand hours, which will help alleviate rolling blackouts as well as put extra revenue in your pocket.

Residential Clients-FCI is able to retrofit an entire home to make it more comfortable, economical, and safer. Many homes were built before there were enforced energy standards and they are wasting tons of energy and hard earned dollars. We can whip your home into shape and provide you with a nice utility rebate to offset the cost greatly. We also offer programs that do not cost our customer's anything.

FCI is a company that is committed to excellence, innovation, and most importantly customer solutions that will fill the particular need that you may have. We believe that we are a family and any client of ours (no matter how small ) is a part of our ever growing family. So give FCI a try!

FCI To Be Vendor at The 2011 Energy Managment Congress Conference

FCI is proud to announce that we will be participating in the 2011 Energy Management Congress Conference, which will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center this year on June 15th and 16th. The Energy Management Congress, also known as EMC, is the largest energy conference and technology expo in the US on the west coast. The EMC provides quality advice on energy issues from industry experts as well as great opportunities to network with other energy companies and professionals. There are optional seminars that attendees can participate in.We will be sharing a booth with our good friends, Lenape Lighting and Peri Software (click on the links to be directed to their websites). FCI is excited to participate in this great event, taking place in our own backyard! If you happen to be there, be sure to swing by our booth (108) and say hello. Hope to see you there!

FCI Announces New Company Division

FCI is proud to announce that it has rolled out a new direct install division of the company that will be able to serve commercial clients that are above 100 KW. Under this new division, clients will be able to customize their project so that it best fits their energy needs and goals. FCI will perform free comprehensive audits of client facilities and deliver a proposal based off of the findings. Customers who choose to participate will be eligible for rebates and incentives from utility companies that will off set significant amounts of financial investment. FCI can provide solutions for lighting, HVAC, Energy Efficiency, Water usage, and Demand Response within this new direct install division. Be sure to visit fcimgt.com to find out how to make your business green through our new services!

Demand Response Class at Edison's CTAC (FCI Employee Testimonial)

I was fortunate enough to be apart of Southern California Edison's Demand Response training today and the information was invaluable. The class instructor, David Wiley, did an excellent job at explaining the basics of Demand Response and even some of the more technical aspects. I was familiar with many of the concepts already, but he did a great job of giving a more complete understanding of the head knowledge I acquired beforehand. I learned interesting facts such as:

-20% of California's energy is imported on hot days
-When energy reserves are low, energy costs are high (sort of a no brainer, but it clicked for me in the class)
-When power plants/generators charge more than $.50 per kWh, this sends a red flag to the government
-Price Response deals with getting paid to not use higher priced energy
-When businesses shift load to off peak times, this allows them to lower their over head cost and in turn provide their customers with lower prices

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what I absorbed today. I even got a free water bottle! I want to thank FCI for sending me to such a great training and applaud Edison for providing an excellent learning experience. I am one happy employee. If you would like to attend an Edison CTAC seminar, visit: sce.com.

Bill Gates Not Sold on Energy Efficiency

Bill Gates, the 2nd richest person in the world, announced that energy efficiency was a "cute" attempt at solving climate change but not a viable answer at the most recent Wired conference held in New York. The Microsoft mega mind is convinced that nuclear power is the way to go when choosing an energy source that will effectively deal with climate control. Gates has invested heavily in nuclear R&D companies and is noted for his support of nuclear initiatives. He argues that energy efficiency technologies will never get us to the 90% reduction in carbon emissions that the nation is aiming for. Even if that were true, a staunch supporter of nuclear power would have to admit (if they were truthful) that energy efficiency is the game changer that has opened up innovative and conscientious thought concerning how we power our country. The advent of the CFL has spurned both rich and poor on a massive scale to give thought to changing the way we produce and utilize energy. If anything, we should seek to find ways to utilize clean energy. Nuclear power has the potential to put us in the same position as coal has. It is the author's biased (won't lie about that) opinion that Nuclear power is a quick fix method that has a high potential to backfire whereas energy efficiency and conservation will require more time, energy, and creativity but will yield more effective results that will last longer. This is about future generations too. But then again, I'm no billionaire. What do you think? Does Nuclear energy trump energy efficiency?

Demand Response:The Next Big Wave in the Energy Sector?

Demand Response (DR) seems to be a very controversial topic in energy circles, largely due to the fact that it is an emerging market in the energy sector. The purpose of DR is to reduce energy load in facilities during specified times, usually when there is a high demand for energy. DR helps to ensure that the rolling blackouts that California was famous for in the late 80's and 90's are minimized. It appears that DR, also known as Management of Demand, is starting to pick up steam as forward thinking countries such as China and England are soliciting the assistance of American Energy giants (Honeywell and Johnson Controls) to implement DR programs. Large DR firm EnerNoc has been in a wrestling match with east coast grid juggernaut PJM (one of the biggest demand response customers in the nation) over the price DR participants should receive for giving up their right to "revenue gererating" energy. There are still a lot of kinks to work out in the DR initiative but there are many credible proponents that are positioning themselves to reap the benefits should Demand Response catch on. FCI has recently partnered with Perry Software Solutions and this union will expand our capacities to serve our client base interested in pursuing Demand Response programs.

What State is Top Dog in Energy Efficiency???



According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the most energy efficient state is (drum roll please....) California. Massachusetts and Oregon followed behind in second and third place. Other states that filled the remaining top ten spots were New York, Vermont, Washington, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Maine. California has held the number one spot in the ACEEE ranking for four years in a row. The golden state has proven itself to be a leader in energy efficiency over the last several years by modeling and implementing an energy efficiency plan that out performs other states as well as the expectations of the federal government. President Obama has stated that his goal is to have 1 million electric vehicles on American roads by 2015.



Nissan Leaf



Part of California's energy initiative is to have 1 million electric cars on California's roads by 2020. The plan also looks to generate 30 percent of the state's electric power from renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, hydropower, etc.) by 2020 as well. Among the most improved states concerning energy efficiency were Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Alaska. Texas, Alabama, North Dakota, Mississippi, and New Hampshire were at the bottom of the list.

FCI Looking To Roll Up Its Sleeves in Long Beach (Delivering A Sustainable Planet #4)

So it turns out the city of Long Beach is serious about energy efficiency and conservation. In 2006, the city installed a giant photovoltaic system in the Long Beach Convention Center. According to LongBeach.gov the system pumps out over 1 million kW-hours of pollution free electricity, making it one of the premier solar systems on the west coast. Since FCI has recently made its humble abode in Long Beach, we are eager and anticipating to join the city's energy cause as it pertains to the city wide approach to sustainability, conservation, and efficiency.  This progressive city is a perfect fit for FCI because we share a common goal in delivering a sustainable planet. FCI is looking to partner with Long Beach in implementing Demand Response programs (The convention center and city hall participate in Edison DR programs) and other initiatives that assist Long Beach in reaching its conservation ambitions. For more information on Long Beach EE projects, visit LongBeach.gov.

FCI's Open House is a Big Hit!

                                                       

FCI and ES&T (Energy Services and Technology) recently hosted an open house event in celebration of its one year anniversary at the brand new Long Beach, CA facility. The new FCI headquarters was the place to be as representatives from Southern California Edison, SoCal Gas, LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power), Councilmember Steven Neal (Long Beach, 9th District), and a host of other distinguished guests were in attendance. FCI was proud to showcase its 11,000 square foot facility and highlighted new energy technologies within the building such as: High Bay LED fixtures, motion sensors, the PERI Grid Max Analytics system, Remote controlled flat panel LED fixtures, and AMTC Hybridflo/Hybridflush products. FCI's Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Watts, unveiled the company's crisp new logo and announced a definitive merger between FCI and ES&T, creating their new holding company FCI Energy Services and Technologies Group,Inc. and the joint venture with Peri Software Solutions (founders of the Peri Grid Max Analytics system). The environment was electric with live jazz, professional catering (which was delicious), and plenty of networking. To say the least, FCI knows how to throw a party. Video footage and pictures from the event will be up soon!