EMC's Energy Group initiative continued its tremendous growth in 2011; adding more than 30 new members / 40 sites to the group, while growing the aggregated member energy buy 38%. EMC's Energy Group already represented one of the largest single energy buys for manufacturers in Canada and with this continued growth members enjoy the same purchasing power as that of a small utility!

Together with EMC's facilitating partner and subject-matter-experts - ECNG Energy LP - this program has delivered big results for our members over the past 4 years! The energy group continues to provide members with the opportunity to save over 45% on their energy costs - versus traditional retail options - and in many cases 15% or more versus 'just doing nothing'!

One recent example… we recently provided members with 2012/2013 strategy recommendations that set target prices at very competitive level - below where the market is currently trading. Through the due diligence process and our competitive tender model, Margaret and her team came back with new target prices EVEN LOWER than our already lower targets for electricity and natural gas.  Members were notified and authorized the lower pricing. How many of your suppliers call you to say "We found you even lower pricing… please let us know if you are okay with it!" :)

Continuing throughout this past year, our Energy Group member/manufacturing visit program facilitated by Margaret and Gillian also delivered great value to the manufacturers. All Energy Group members receive custom evaluations and strategies, access to energy expertise and real-time response capability to shifts in energy market activities.

For 2012 we have put together some terrific opportunities for members to further customize their energy strategies, with more options and improved access to information and expertise.  EMC and ECNG are launching a new reporting and tracking service for manufacturers, providing a real-time online ability to track, model, forecast and verify energy budgeting and billing… it's an outstanding system that will help our members.

Our new energy website will be launched in January and be sure to check out Margaret's monthly energy updates online as well!

From the EMC Energy Group Team... we hope you have a very Merry Christmas and look forward to serving you in the New Year.