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Q&A with PFM 
What is PFM and how does it relate to The Energy Network?
Public Financial Management, Inc. ("PFM") is the #1 rated Financial Advisory firm in the country. Our services include providing detailed and thoughtful advice to our clients regarding such financing options as bond issuance, lease agreements, public-private-partnerships, and environmentally-focused financing. We work with a wide variety of governmental and non-profit entities, including cities, counties, states, water districts, school districts, public utilities, hospitals and universities, among others.
PFM works with The Energy Network, as its financial advisor, to provide economic and financial analysis for the evaluation of funding options available for energy and water saving projects. Our experience with municipalities, combined with our uniquely-focused environmental finance group, gives The Energy Network members access to top tier financial advice.
What types of services does PFM provide to agencies enrolled in The Energy Network?
PFM works with the TEN Project Manager and agencies to evaluate potential financing models in order to determine the most advantageous financing option based on the agencies' needs and expectations. Depending on funding selection, PFM provides updated analyses, using its proprietary financial models, to support documentation and delivery of funds. Our assistance is available to TEN, and its member agencies, throughout their project evaluation and delivery process to ensure financial considerations are identified, analyzed and resolved in order to facilitate successful project implementation.
What are some of the challenges agencies face that PFM can assist with?
Agencies are faced with the challenge of determining which efficiency or renewable generation projects best fit their needs, as well as which financing option best fits their financial goals. Typically, agencies do not have the experience or resources necessary to determine which combination works best. That is where PFM can assist the agency. PFM's experience with structuring financial solutions for efficiency and generation projects provides agencies with the sage advice needed to make the best decision.
Any success stories?
A good example of a successful project that PFM worked on with the Energy Network is the Huntington Beach project. The project enabled Huntington Beach to convert 2,600 streetlights, safety lights, lighted street name signs, and outdoor lights to LED lights. This energy efficiency upgrade improved the city's energy consumption and therefore helped the city reduce energy costs. The project is expected to save roughly $4.6 million in energy costs and 526 metric tons of carbon emissions over a 20 year period.
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This unique turnkey approach enables agencies to quickly complete projects by providing access to pre-qualified mechanical, lighting and street lighting contractors that have already been competitively bid according to California law through the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA). In addition to accessing competitively bid contractors and bypassing the time it takes to release an RFP/RFQ and select a contractor, agencies also benefit from the lack of staff time required since the competitive bidding is already conducted on behalf of public agencies. Moreover, agencies receive an objective, third-party review of contractor proposals by technical engineering experts through The Energy Network, ensuring alignment with the scope of work proposed. The turnkey project delivery process allows The Energy Network to guide agencies through their energy efficiency projects, from facility audits all the way to construction.
