Sempra Energy Solutions (SES) — a subsidiary of Sempra Energy— reported late last week that it intends to expand its existingoperations in Chicago as a national energy services provider thatoffers integrated energy solutions to the commercial, industrial,educational and governmental markets. The company said it willbuild on its Midwest business with the addition of key regions inMichigan and Ohio.

“We see tremendous opportunities throughout the Midwest,especially in Chicago, and are committed to establishing long-termalliances with customers that are interested in lowering theiroverall operating costs,” said Bob Dickerman, president of SES.”Increasing volatility in the nation’s energy marketplace has madesophisticated energy management a top priority among large energyusers across the country. Many manufacturing and industrialcompanies, government agencies and educational institutions arelooking for outsourcing solutions for their energy andinfrastructure needs so that they can focus on their corebusinesses and missions.”

The company said that after reviewing the Chicago marketplace,it expects to be able to deliver substantial savings to Midwestenergy users within the next 12 months.

“Illinois, Michigan and Ohio represent a $21 billion marketopportunity,” Dickerman said. “All three states are home toenergy-intensive, heavy industrial and manufacturing companies.Also, recent state legislation deregulating segments of the energyindustry has created new opportunities for large energy users tosave money by employing sophisticated energy procurement and riskmanagement strategies. Illinois in particular is recognized as theMidwest’s pioneer in energy deregulation. Additionally, recenttechnological developments have created new opportunities for largeenergy users to reduce their financial risks and replace agingequipment with far more efficient technology.”

Former Enron employee George Mossides — who was recentlyappointed vice president, regional sales for SES — will lead theMidwest operations.

Some of SES’ current energy management contracts are with theVenetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, the Staples Centersports arena in Los Angeles and Hewlett Packard. The company alsohas agreements with universities, hospitals and government sectorsacross the nation.

©Copyright 2001 Intelligence Press Inc. All rights reserved. Thepreceding news report may not be republished or redistributed, inwhole or in part, in any form, without prior written consent ofIntelligence Press, Inc.