At a time when many companies are looking for ways to reduce costs, gain competitiveness and advance sustainability without compromising their investment capacity, Grupo Incalexa is promoting the 360 Energy Shield. Pablo Cervigón, Commercial Director of Grupo Incalexa, explains in this interview how this Energy Efficiency as a Service (EEaaS) model works, which is paid for through monthly installments financed with the savings achieved on your bill.
-To begin, could you explain exactly what the 360 Energy Shield is and what needs or challenges it seeks to solve in the industry?
The 360 Energy Shield is a comprehensive solution from Grupo Incalexa that helps companies reduce their energy consumption, save costs, and gain competitiveness without an initial investment. It also helps industry manage the limitations of access to the electricity grid, which is currently saturated and struggling to accommodate new connections or power upgrades for existing ones. We achieve this by analyzing the company as a whole, studying its facilities, consumption, and processes to identify areas for greatest savings. From there, we design and implement the most suitable solutions, such as self-consumption, aerothermal energy, heat recovery, cooling optimization, and energy monitoring. We manage the project investment, and the company pays for the service through a monthly fee financed directly by the guaranteed savings on its energy bill.
–What types of companies can benefit from this model?
This model is designed for any company with significant energy expenditure that wants to reduce it. It can be especially useful for industries that consume a lot of electricity, heat, or cooling, such as food processing, industrial laundries, ceramics, metal, chemicals, or production processes that use ovens, boilers, cold storage, or energy-intensive machinery. The greater the impact of energy on the bottom line, the greater the potential savings. But it can also be beneficial for companies with more moderate consumption seeking stability, efficiency, and a more organized way to manage their energy bills.
–When should a company consider taking this step?
The sooner the better. There's no need to wait for a crisis or a price increase to react. Energy costs are increasingly impacting the competitiveness of any business, so it's wise to anticipate them. The first step is to stop seeing it as a fixed expense that can't be changed and start analyzing it as an opportunity for savings, improvement, and growth.
The sooner you review how energy is consumed, the sooner you can detect inefficiencies, reduce costs, and gain stability for the future.
-One of the key features of EE360 is that the company doesn't have to make an initial investment. How does this model work?
It works simply. The company doesn't have to pay for the project upfront. We analyze their needs, design the solution, secure financing, implement the upgrades, and handle maintenance. From then on, the company pays a monthly fee covered by the savings on their energy bill. In other words, they don't have to make a large outlay or take on debt to modernize their facilities. With this "As a Service" model, the client reduces their operating expenses (OPEX) and ensures the continuity of their production process, because Grupo Incalexa assumes the availability risk through an integrated maintenance plan.
-When someone asks where the fine print is, what do you tell them?
We respond with complete transparency. There's no fine print because the model only works if the company saves. We analyze consumption beforehand, calculate the potential savings, and propose a monthly fee that can be covered by those savings. The client knows exactly what they'll pay, what services will be provided, what maintenance is included, and what results they can expect.
-What concerns does the company no longer have with this model?
The company no longer needs to worry about the initial investment, technology selection, maintenance and repair costs for existing machinery, or lost production due to downtime. Furthermore, we generate Energy Saving Certificates (EACs), which the client can redeem by selling their energy.
-What steps does a company follow that wants to implement it?
The process unfolds in phases so the company is always aware of its progress and the next steps. First, we conduct a site visit and analyze its production processes to understand its energy consumption. Next, we prepare an initial study with a preliminary budget and an estimate of potential savings. If the company decides to proceed, an audit and engineering contract is signed, allowing us to define the solution in greater detail. From there, we present the final budget, and once approved, the installation contract is signed. The following phase is project execution, including the installation and commissioning of the improvements. Finally, we handle the legalization process and the issuance of Energy Saving Certificates (CAEs).
–They also talk about sustainability as a competitive advantage, what does that mean?
This means that being more sustainable also helps to sell better and compete more effectively. Today, many companies, government agencies, and customers value suppliers who reduce consumption, emissions, and energy costs. A more efficient company can improve its image and access new opportunities. Sustainability is no longer just a matter of reputation; it can also have a direct impact on business.
-If you had to summarize EE360 in one idea, why should a company take this step?
The EE360 is not just a way to save energy; it's a way to protect the company's future. It allows for cost reduction, increased stability, guaranteed production continuity, and less dependence on energy market fluctuations, all without an initial investment. That's the true value of the model. It's not just about energy efficiency, but about safeguarding long-term industrial competitiveness. The company becomes more efficient and sustainable, and improves its energy rating.