NEO Network Accelerator Access Speeds Progress to RE Goals

On Aug. 1, 2018, Schneider Electric introduced Accelerator Access for its New Energy Opportunities (NEO) Network™, an online community that connects companies with resources to efficiently identify, evaluate and advance renewable energy transactions and technologies.

Commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses can now join the NEO Network at no cost. Members of this community receive exclusive offers from developers, such as below-market pricing and preferred terms and conditions, and access industry experts, peers and tools to make smart energy decisions and quickly meet sustainability goals.

“A steep incline in electricity prices in Australia. The liberalization of energy markets in Spain. Just two recent examples of the shifting dynamics that continue to expand the viability and appeal of renewable energy and clean technologies,” said Steve Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Energy & Sustainability Services at Schneider Electric. “But new prospects don’t translate to savvy business decisions without education, research and due diligence.”

“The NEO Network provides the community and resources that give companies the confidence to capitalize on opportunities to push sustainability initiatives forward, and ultimately achieve their clean energy procurement and carbon-reduction goals.”

With more than 100 members, the NEO Network is a fast-growing collective of corporations, developers and solution providers committed to buying and developing renewable energy and cleantech around the world. The C&I companies in the network are responsible for more than 1.7 gigawatts of offsite power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Companies at any stage of the often-complicated buying process can gain access to up-to-date market intelligence, explore project opportunities, interact with peers, benchmark activities against competitors and participate in exclusive contract offers and networking events.

Enhancements drive collaboration, education and innovation

Schneider Electric also unveiled a suite of new apps and analytics in the NEO Network portal that provide a more tailored experience based on user interests and requirements, including:

• Strategy Calculator – An online assessment tool that provides a customized plan to improve a company’s environmental profile at the click of a button.
• Market Analysis – Highlights the most attractive countries, regions and states to develop renewable energy projects based on local regulations, pricing and more.
• Customized Content & Reports – Members receive tailored market intelligence reports, news and exclusive contract offers based on individual preferences.

“We joined the RE100 and committed to 100 percent renewable energy use by 2021,” said Chad Wilkerson, Director of Sustainability and Infrastructure Sourcing at wireless-services-provider T-Mobile. “Two PPAs tied to wind farms in the U.S. Midwest have taken us a long way toward the goal. And as we look to build on that success, and evaluate prospects and projects in other regions, the NEO Network will continue to be a valuable resource.”

The need for education and resources to advance renewable energy and sustainability initiatives has never been greater. A recent study found that a majority of organizations are not taking the necessary steps to integrate and advance their efficiency and sustainability programs, and that most companies still take fairly conventional approaches to energy and carbon management. Coupled with rising pressures from regulators, constituents and shareholders, companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon impact, but few resources exist to provide guidance and intelligence.

The NEO Network launched in 2016 to help companies make sense of renewable energy markets, and share insights and best practices. Corporate members represent an array of industries — from food and beverage (Brown-Forman) to manufacturing and consumer goods (Kimberly-Clark) to data centers (Equinix) and retail (VF Corporation).

Schneider Electric serves as the network moderator with support teams in Australia, Europe and the U.S., and lends its sustainability and energy management experience to educate and guide members. As the world’s largest renewable energy and cleantech consultant, Schneider Electric has advised on more than 60 percent of all corporate PPAs signed and announced in North America since 2016.

Complimentary participation in the NEO Network is available to qualified C&I buyers, and to renewable energy and cleantech solution providers via subscription. To learn more, visit neonetworkexchange.com.

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