Industry
Ski
Challenge
Mount Sunapee needed an energy strategy that controlled winter electricity costs while preserving flexibility for high‑load snowmaking operations.
Results
NextEra Advisors delivered competitive fixed pricing and a flexible demand response agreement, helping the resort control costs without risking revenue or snowmaking operations.
Product
Demand Response, Energy Procurement
"NextEra Advisors had both the technical expertise and the ability to communicate effectively to help me understand the true risk/benefit trade-off of multiple electricity purchasing options. That allowed me to make a more informed decision on what product was going to be best for Mount Sunapee."
Challenge
Mount Sunapee’s general manager was a knowledgeable energy buyer. In the summer of 2015, he had been tracking the energy markets and knew the utility would soon announce a very competitive fixed rate for the upcoming winter. As part of his process, he talked to a number of suppliers and consultants to understand all options. He decided to work with NextEra Advisors because of their deep industry experience in working with 20 ski resorts, and their strategic approach to developing an energy strategy. Analyzing Sunapee’s energy utilization, understanding their risk tolerance and resources available to actively time manage snowmaking, NextEra Advisors was able to formulate a number of options.
Solution
NextEra Advisors developed two procurement strategies to present to Sunapee. NextEra Advisors utilized its robust grouping of ski resort-experienced electric suppliers to generate significant competition for all-in fixed electric prices for multiple terms, and also solicited from the most sophisticated suppliers a comprehensive block and index price. To further reduce energy costs, NextEra Advisors then looked at the potential value of implementing a winter demand response (DR) program for Sunapee and solicited proposals from demand response suppliers in the market.
Results
NextEra Advisors delivered several competitive fixed-price offers well below the anticipated utility price. The block and index hedging approach resulted in attractive pricing, but in this case, the cost to actively manage hourly snowmaking to avoid price spikes offset the potential benefits. Sunapee chose a fixed contract for a set term with an ongoing opportunity to lock in future purchases when market conditions warrant. NextEra Advisors then negotiated a DR agreement that balanced the resort’s revenue objective with its ability to curtail snowmaking if called. In this agreement, Sunapee would not be penalized if not able to respond.
