Energy‑services firm offers no‑cost facility assessment, outlines guaranteed‑savings approach and IRA timing

Representatives from Veregy, a firm that designs and implements municipal energy projects, asked Rochester City Council for authorization to perform a preliminary facility assessment at no cost to the city.

Cole Willis, who said he is with Veregy, explained the guaranteed energy‑savings procurement model and said the firm would perform a holistic walk‑through of city facilities, deliver a preliminary project scope and estimated costs, and identify measures likely to yield guaranteed energy savings. "If I say that we're going to save you $10 or $100,000 on energy projects over the course of the next 20 years, I have to deliver on that or we owe a check back to the city for projects that we didn't deliver and savings we didn't deliver," Cole said. He also described federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act that can return roughly 30–40% of project costs and said projects tied to those incentives need to be completed by the end of 2027.

Council members asked about past problems with similar contracts in school districts, bonding and financial assurances, and how savings are measured. Cole acknowledged there have been "bad actors" historically and said Veregy operates in multiple states, provides reporting to the state on savings and delivery, and tries to use local subcontractors when possible. The firm requested a motion to allow access to facilities and utility data so it can conduct the assessment; council members said they wanted more time to vet the company and review materials, and no motion was taken at this meeting. Council indicated the item will be revisited at a future meeting—possibly July 24 or in August if quorum constraints prevent an earlier vote.