Optimum Energy Insights, News & Events

Energy-as-a-Service enables nonprofit hospitals and universities to generate unrestricted cash, cut utility costs 25–35%, and modernize infrastructure without adding long-term debt.

Clear answers to the most common questions about Energy-as-a-Service, covering financial treatment, risk transfer, contract structure, and lifecycle economics.

Backlogs are growing, costs are compounding, and the window to act on favorable terms is narrowing. A look at where healthcare, higher education, and manufacturing stand heading into 2026.

The 2026 Higher Ed Inflection Point The $112B deferred maintenance backlog in higher education has reached a critical inflection point. With the 2026 demographic cliff reducing enrollment and 40% of facility managers retiring, the “patch-and-pray” model is officially broken.

Deferred maintenance is driving critical challenges in healthcare, higher education, and manufacturing. Learn why every dollar delayed costs four later and explore strategies for data-driven prioritization, system optimization, and financing models that help organizations reduce risk and improve resilience. Read the full blog for actionable insights.

Universities face a perfect storm: aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, shrinking budgets, and growing pressure to decarbonize. Traditional capital projects drain resources and divert attention from your core mission—educating students and advancing research. Energy as a Service (EaaS) changes the equation. Optimum Energy partners with colleges and universities to fund, implement, and manage energy efficiency upgrades through long-term service agreements. You get modernized systems, guaranteed savings, and zero capital outlay.

How does AI optimize building energy performance? Machine learning systems analyze HVAC data, predict equipment failures, and adapt in real-time to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Critical for healthcare, education, and manufacturing facilities managing rising energy expenses.

Transforming Infrastructure: From Expense to Revenue Stream We’re excited to share insights from Ken Bernhard’s recent appearance on The Deal Podcast, where he discussed the evolution of energy-as-a-service and the role our technology plays in reshaping how institutions approach infrastructure. The challenge facing hospitals, universities, and large facilities has never been clearer: aging infrastructure needs renewal, but capital is limited and operations talent is scarce. Traditional approaches don’t work when margins are tight and every dollar must generate returns.

Optimum Energy Recognized for Commissioning Excellence with 2025 TVA EnergyRight PPN Award

The OBBBA repeals green energy incentives, boosting fossil fuels, which is projected to raise energy costs by up to 74% and threaten grid reliability by 2035. Despite this policy reversal, market forces and strong ESG performance remain essential for corporate value and long-term success. Companies must double down on sustainability using solutions like Optimum Energy to mitigate rising costs and secure operational stability.