HVBF Monthly Meeting - Facilities, Security, Transportation Roundtable
Wednesday, February 15, 2006, 4:00 PM

Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn

The Facilities, Security, Transportation Roundtable was held as a part of the Annual Meeting of the Forum.

Dick Anderson of CQI Associates gave us a presentation on Managing Energy. CQI was established in 1995 and has conducted energy management projects that have saved clients over $100,000,000. They have also conducted over 50 energy procurement assignments that have included over 8,000 accounts for over 3,000 locations. Here is some of the information that Dick shared with us:

• World wide production is decreasing and consumption is increasing;

• Between 2000 - 2005, the cost of electricity increased 10%, natural gas increased 18% and heating oil increased 8%;

• The projected increase in costs over the next 5 years is 50%;

• The deregulation of natural gas and electricity permits customer choice;

• Electricity rates are shifting from a fixed price basis to a market based rate like natural gas did;

• If there is no selection, you will receive a default service "Standard Offer Service Rates";

• Factors of concern for pricing include the cold winter, Constellation's merger, Gulf Recovery and the next OPEC meeting;

• Users need to develop a long term strategic plan for energy management.

If you have any questions, please call Dick Anderson at 410-740-0667.