Outdated Electricity Allocation Models Burden Large Enterprises
Large enterprises operating multi-building campuses face an antiquated electricity allocation system. Unlike residential consumers who pay based on actual consumption, these campuses purchase a fixed monthly capacity determined by peak usage demands. This approach results in significant overpayment, especially when peak demand is infrequent, such as during seasonal spikes.
Founder’s Personal Motivation Drives Innovation
SaLisa Berrien, founder and CEO of COI Energy, brings 25 years of experience as an energy engineer at major utilities including PECO, Con Edison, and Exelon. Her personal history of growing up with inconsistent access to electricity fueled her commitment to making energy more affordable and accessible.
“As a child, there were times when my parents couldn’t pay their electric bill. We were in the dark a lot, and it affected my self-esteem. This made me determined to improve energy accessibility for everyone.” — SaLisa Berrien, CEO of COI Energy
Despite skepticism from peers about pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated and stagnant industry, Berrien’s focus remained clear: to optimize energy efficiency and affordability through innovation.
COI Energy has developed a patented platform that enables enterprises to sell unused electricity capacity back into a marketplace. This system allows businesses within the same utility network to monetize surplus energy allocations predicted through advanced data analytics.
- Installation of a patented energy gateway at customer sites measures real-time usage.
- Integration with building management and SCADA systems ensures seamless data collection.
- Hardware-agnostic design allows compatibility with any existing utility or energy infrastructure.
- Platform predicts actual energy needs up to 90 days in advance, enabling informed capacity release decisions.
- COI Energy compensates sellers for released capacity; buyers pay COI to acquire this energy.
This model shifts energy procurement from fixed, overestimated capacity purchases to a dynamic, data-driven marketplace improving cost efficiency and resource utilization.
Early Traction and Expansion Plans
Currently in its pre-seed phase, COI Energy has secured $3.5 million in funding from notable investors including Paul Farr, Morgan Stanley Inclusive and Sustainable Ventures, and Chloe Capital. The startup is generating revenue through five pilot customers, each managing at least 50 buildings, across California, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York. Additionally, COI is negotiating to become a solution provider for Switzerland’s forthcoming national energy policy that facilitates capacity sharing between businesses and residences starting in 2026.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
Reflecting Berrien’s personal experience, COI Energy dedicates 1% of the savings businesses achieve on the platform to nonprofit organizations focused on assisting underprivileged communities with energy needs. This initiative, branded as “Kilowatt for Good,” supports bill payment aid, weatherization, and sustainable energy programs.
“Instead of wasting capacity, you’re sharing it. We’re making the planet better, improving business economics, and uplifting communities all at once.” — SaLisa Berrien, CEO
FinOracleAI — Market View
COI Energy addresses a critical inefficiency in enterprise electricity consumption by introducing a dynamic marketplace for unused capacity. Their technology leverages predictive analytics and hardware-agnostic integration to optimize energy use and cost management.
- Opportunities: Expansion into new markets domestically and internationally, particularly where energy deregulation or capacity sharing policies exist.
- Opportunities: Strategic partnerships with utilities and building management firms to scale adoption rapidly.
- Risks: Regulatory hurdles in diverse jurisdictions could slow implementation.
- Risks: Dependence on accurate energy usage prediction models necessitates ongoing R&D investment.
Impact: COI Energy’s solution has the potential to significantly reduce operational costs for large enterprises while promoting sustainable energy practices and social equity, marking a positive market impact.
