New York State Office of Mental Health
Fuel Use Analysis and Management
Under Susan Dee’s direction, the following programs were developed, implemented and managed on behalf of the Office of Mental Health:
Utility Rate and Fuel Analysis
- New York State Office of Mental Health:
- Prepared bi-weekly fuel cost comparison report recommending least-cost fuel for 17 dual-fuel facilities;
- Compiled fuel oil prices on a bi-weekly basis;
- Compiled utility sales gas and transportation gas prices on a monthly basis;
- Recommended monthly transportation gas nominations for several facilities;
- Developed a comprehensive program for tracking and managing transportation gas balances;
- Audited selected utility bills for electric and gas service.
- Individual Psychiatric Centers:
- Evaluated options for taking natural gas under different service classifications;
- Recommended least-cost gas service classification;
- Prepared analysis of payback period to install oil tanks at selected buildings;.
- Evaluated potential for peak shaving to reduce electric demand charges and energy consumption during summer months;
- Prepared cost analysis of fuel options including utility sales gas, transportation gas and fuel oil;
- Prepared a study of the savings potential of closing or modifying the operation of an on-site laundry processing center, including a review of costs for steam usage, transportation, equipment replacement, labor, and supplies.
Transportation Gas
The Consultant evaluated purchasing procedures for the psychiatric centers and found a first year savings of $800,000 by making changes in procurement practices. Managed the purchasing of wellhead gas for all facilities by negotiating prices with gas brokers. Eventually this task was turned over to Office of General Services, where its purchasing staff was trained in proper procurement activities and analysis. The Consultant continues to monitor pricing of all gas sources and produces a monthly report that serves as the basis for stage purchasing decisions.
Transportation Gas Handbook
To save the large sums possible by switching to group purchasing of transportation gas, OMH personnel needed to quickly become experts at developing a strategy for purchasing gas at lowest costs and managing the details of the process. The Consultant authored a detailed handbook explaining the process that covered all the details of determining the latest pricing information, comparing pricing information, documenting required data, and understanding important deadlines for making purchasing decisions.
Shared Services Analysis
Psychiatric centers often share electric, gas and steam services with co-located facilities and tenants and share costs based on a variety of methods. The Consultant analyzed fuel usage and current billing agreements for several facilities to determine current costs and recommended appropriate billing arrangements.
Demand Side Management – Project Review
The Consultant analyzed proposed ECMs, energy savings, project scopes of work, contracts, material samples, monitoring programs and installation procedures for projects sponsored by Utilities under their DSM programs. These projects were developed and implemented by ESCOs under contract to the utilities. The Consultant served as the agency’s representative during the preliminary audits phase, negotiations, and final acceptance of proposed projects. Provided site supervision and sign-off for five psychiatric centers.