Supplier Spotlight: How Partnership with Competitive Energy Services (CES) Led to Energy Savings for the UMass System

At UMass, we are dedicated to showcasing stories that highlight strong partnerships with our valued suppliers. Today, we highlight Competitive Energy Services (CES), whose expertise and collaborative approach have supported cost savings and enhanced energy efficiency across the UMass system.

A Collaborative Start and Formal Procurement Process

The relationship began in 2008 when UMass Lowell sought to optimize its energy procurement by transitioning from individual supplier contracts to a competitive bidding process, aiming to reduce costs and emissions. CES was engaged to provide consulting expertise, and the strategy soon attracted interest from other campuses.

"As Keith Sampson, Senior Vice President, explains, “Energy projects require a long-term outlook. Success comes from staying ahead of regulatory changes, identifying state and federal incentives, and proactively collaborating with university stakeholders across departments, and this is where partnership between CES and UMass can flourish.” This initial collaboration led to interest from other campuses."

Following a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process in 2010, CES expanded its services system-wide, supporting all UMass campuses. The partnership delivered tangible benefits, including cost reduction, emissions improvements, and a foundation for future energy initiatives. 

Partner Outcomes and Energy Initiatives

This collaborative approach has yielded significant benefits to the UMass System, including securing grants from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), advising the UMass Chan Medical School on electric system operations, and managing supply and delivery costs over the coming decades. Recently, the Solar Net Metering program, a highly impactful project that CES collaborated on with UMass, led to new agreements for the Amherst and Dartmouth campuses, and is projected to save the University an additional $400,000 annually.

Overall, working in tandem with the UMass campuses and its partners, CES has consistently assisted the system with year-over-year cost reductions, contributing to tens of millions of dollars in savings. This performance highlights the importance of a strategic, long-term partnership that aligns with UMass’s procurement policies and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ standards.

Zac Bloom, Vice President, Head of Sustainability and Renewables, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive engagement in these efforts, stating, “The strongest partnerships are built on trust and open communications. In our collaborations with clients, we always aim to be proactive, rather than reactive. With UMass, we prioritized integrating and sharing information across all campus stakeholders—from Facilities and Utilities to Administration, Sustainability, and Planning teams.” 

Our Commitment to Fair and Transparent Supplier Relationships

As UMass’ needs have grown, so has our portfolio of suppliers serving this critical category.  CES now shares the opportunity to service the UMass system alongside another trusted supplier, PowerOptions, following a competitive process conducted in 2024 and contracted in early 2025 for systemwide energy consulting services.

At UMass, we remain committed to fostering these trusted, strategic partnerships that uphold fairness, transparency, and excellence. These relationships ensure shared success and support the University’s goals.

Do you have a story about your experience working with UMass? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact our communications team at A&Fsupport@umassp.edu with the subject line “Supplier Highlight” to learn more.