THESE NEO-LIBERALS ARE EVEN USING PUBLIC MONEY AND OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO PAY FOR THEIR PERSONAL MARKETING/NETWORKING FOR PRIVATE CORPORATIONS IN MARYLAND. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE CITIZENS OF BALTIMORE....IT HAS ONLY TO DO WITH WHAT WILL MAKE THE RICH IN MARYLAND/BALTIMORE RICHER!
BALTIMORE IS ONE BIG CORPORATE WELFARE SYSTEM!!!
WE CAN REVERSE THIS! DO NOT THINK IT IS A DONE DEAL!
RUN AND VOTE FOR LABOR AND JUSTICE IN ALL ELECTIONS!
What people need to know is that with the infrastructure money ready to spout in to cities across America the move to contract out all the work to private contractors has Chow told to create a pay to play around the country for Maryland's 1% in exchange for this bonanza of water and sewage development. They are working to privatize water and sewage just as Rawlings-Blake did when she made Trash pickup separately charged from property tax. We now have completely privatized trash pickup and rates will be rising. So too now water and sewage.
We already know that VEOLA is in town to develop this water infrastructure development and no doubt will be the public private partnership that will run the agency once all is done. Remember, as we rebuild all public assets new.....neo-liberals hand off these services to private hands to operate making taxpayers responsible for all capital costs and as we know with energy/BGE, all operating costs.
Pay to play is a complicated thing as the interests of the 1% in Maryland must be expanded in the region chosen to represent and profit from work here in Maryland and Baltimore. That is what Chow's work entails. How does that work for the public? NOT AT ALL. Chow is not working for you and me, he is working for the 1% and their profit on our dime.
If you look closely at what public works has become since privatization of public services went on steroids with O'Malley in Baltimore, one only has to look at all of the dozens of independent contractors all working underground all using different resources and having different approaches to work, and none of it overseen for quality to know that we have a mess in our public works that will be a nightmare for the next generation of repair. These politicians say....we will be long gone when that mess is discovered. So too will be this water-sewage project unfolding! -
Travel by city's water chief questioned Rudy Chow spent 35 days this past year at conferences
By Luke Broadwater and Yvonne Wenger, The Baltimore Sun 9:47 p.m. EDT, September 4, 2013
The head of Baltimore's water system spent 35 days attending conferences in the past year, many of them out of state, records show. The travel has raised concerns among some city officials, who say Water and Wastewater chief Rudy Chow is needed here to focus on issues of crumbling infrastructure and erroneous bills.
Chow on Wednesday defended his attendance at 11 conferences, including eight out-of-state trips, as positive for the city. He said he learns from other jurisdictions and often holds up Baltimore's recent progress as a model for other cities.
"Just because I am traveling doesn't mean I am not focusing on work that needs to be done," he said. "By traveling to these different places, having these so-called professional affiliations, we can gain the insight of how other people are doing their business. ...
"We are among the most sought-after organizations in the utility world due to our transformational changes," Chow said. "People in our industry want to hear from us."
Among other trips, Chow traveled to Anaheim, Calif., in August of last year for the American Public Works Association Congress. In October, he went to New Orleans to give a presentation at the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibit and Conference.
And he traveled twice to Chicago for conferences, with plans for a third trip next month. The city's spending board approved $3,000 for that trip Wednesday.
Chow's trips became a subject of scrutiny at the Board of Estimates meeting when Baltimore Comptroller Joan M. Pratt questioned several of his agency's expenses. "Mr. Chow goes on a lot of travel for speaking conferences, and that information should be shared with the citizens of Baltimore," Pratt said. "It is at taxpayers' expense."
Chow has won praise as an innovative manager who is making improvements since joining Baltimore City government 21/2 years ago. But Pratt and some others pointed to the city's frequent water main breaks and erroneous water bills as evidence that Chow should spend more time here focused on day-to-day issues.
"I like it best when he's at home," said Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke.
Clarke said she has "a lot of respect" for Chow and believes he has taken steps to improve the troubled system. "But we have a long way to go," she said.
Chow has been reimbursed about $8,500 for travel expenses, records show. The city also paid at least $4,000 in registration fees for the various conferences, which can range from about $200 to about $1,000. Some of Chow's travel was paid for by outside entities, city officials said.
Kevin Harris, spokesman for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, said the administration is working to strike the "right balance between the need to have people travel and advocate on behalf of the city while taking steps to minimize costs to citizens."
Harris said Chow "has led in promoting several innovative reforms to our sewer system" that will bring down water billing and infrastructure costs. "It's not surprising that because of this leadership there is interest in learning more about what we are doing here in Baltimore which requires him to leave the city from time to time," Harris said.
Chow, who makes $132,000 annually, joined city government in 2011. The next year, the city's auditor found that the Department of Public Works overcharged thousands of water customers by at least $9 million. Exorbitant bills were especially infuriating to citizens as decades-old water lines cracked underground with regularity, sending water streaming down streets while disrupting traffic and sometimes gas and electric services. At the same time, the city has raised water rates by 42 percent over three years.
In response, Chow implemented what he has called "corrective actions" — part of a broader, long-term effort to address billing problems attributed to faulty water meters, outdated technology, human error and, in some neighborhoods, fabricated meter readings.
At the Board of Estimates Pratt noted that not all of Chow's travel has been approved by the panel. She also questioned the agency's hiring of consultants who are paid more than city workers, as well as the creation of several new administrative positions that pay in excess of $100,000.
Councilmen Nick Mosby and Edward Reisinger said they had not evaluated Chow's travel. But both praised Chow for his efforts to address Baltimore's water system troubles.
"Mr. Chow has always been a very high professional and very knowledgeable, trying to think outside the box when it comes to our aging infrastructure," Mosby said.
Reisinger said he's not opposed to travel by government workers and sees conferences and workshops as opportunities to improve services. "I support when he goes to the conferences, if he learns something," Reisinger said, "if there's something to take back."
Councilman Carl Stokes said the outward appearance of the travel might not sit well with some Baltimore residents, especially those who have received erroneous water bills in recent months. The best response going forward is for the agency to be completely transparent about the expenses and purpose of the trips, Stokes said.
"It's the perception — I am not saying it's right or wrong," Stokes said. "I don't know the ins or outs of the travel. … When people are threatened by fraudulent or very high water bills, and then to raise the water bill double-digits every year, it would seem to many there should be belt-tightening in discretionary spending or travel that is not necessary."
_____________________________________________
If you do not think that the mayor and city council are working to privatize Baltimore's police and fire departments to private contractors -----think again. We already see International Security corporations being brought in for banks and other institutions and YOU CAN BET THAT THESE POLS ARE BEING PUSHED BY JOHNS HOPKINS TO GO PRIVATE CONTRACTING.
If you think these police ignore you and could care less about obeying ;law.....wait until these International Security people come to town. These corporations are generally hiring former private military police and special forces people.
STOP ALLOWING A NEO-LIBERAL CONTROLLED DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL PARTY CHOOSE YOUR CANDIDATES.....RUN AND VOTE FOR LABOR AND JUSTICE CANDIDATES! UNEMPLOYED? RUN FOR ELECTED OFFICE AND BE A GOOD GUY!
Cities Cut Police, Switch to Private Contractors
By Agence France-Presse
17 November 11
he central Minnesota town of Foley tried having its own police department and contracting with the county sheriff's department for law enforcement.
Nationwide, other cities have supplemented traditional police with contracted officers, said John Firman, director of research for the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
But as cities across the US struggle with the economic downturn, more will look at innovative ways of providing public safety, Mr Firman said.
"For the first time in our history … police are no longer immune from budget cuts," he said.
After cuts in state aid and uncertainty about future funding, Foley City Council started looking at options to save money on policing. The town decided to contract with General Security Services Corporation to provide 24-hour coverage starting in January for about $US16,000 ($15,592) a month.
Budget cuts have also forced a county school board in Colorado to sell advertising space on student report cards to help make ends meet.
Jefferson County Public Schools expects to make $US90,000 over three years from Collegeinvest, a college savings plan, for the five-centimeter ads on report cards issued by its 91 primary schools. The school board last year slashed its spending by $US40 million after reduced state and federal government support.
"We're obviously looking for revenue generators and taking them where we can find them," board spokeswoman Melissa Reeves said.
The Jefferson County school board already sells advertising space on buses to a bank. Ms Reeves said it anticipates making a further $US70 million in spending cuts in coming years, as the US struggles to put hard times behind it.
__________________________________
Now, I have already introduced you to VEOLA as the Transportation contractor that is privatizing public transportation MTA. There is much more to VEOLA and it is a company that just a decade ago did not have much profit but now, since it is now being connected to municipalities all across America.....it is a global corporation with the 1% owning most the company. It is not just a French corporation....it is globally owned and Maryland's 1% are in on the ground floor.
As you can see this one corporation is taking all of our public services and making them private. Could we do the same thing this corporation as far as sustainability and development as a public utility/service? OF COURSE WE CAN AND WILL!
BALTIMORE DEVELOPMENT WITH JOHNS HOPKINS IS MAKING ALL THAT IS PUBLIC PRIVATE AND CITIZENS WILL YET AGAIN BE USED TO FINANCE ALL CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND OPERATING COSTS IN THEIR NEED FOR THIS ESSENTIAL COMMODITY......
WE CAN DISBAND ALL THIS STUFF AND RETURN IT ALL TO PUBLIC SERVICE IF YOU RUN AND VOTE FOR LABOR AND JUSTICE.
We already know that the poor and working class will again be placed into a rationing because they will not be able to afford market-value on water and heating/cooling/transportation. SO WHY ARE LABOR AND JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS IN BALTIMORE AND MARYLAND NOT SHOUTING LOUDLY AND STRONGLY AGAINST THIS?
Veolia Energy North America Holdings, Inc. Veolia Energy Boston, Inc Veolia Energy in Philadelphia Veolia Energy Los Angeles,Veolia Energy in Kansas City,
Veolia Water Baltimore
By treating wastewater, Veolia Water helps to protect water resources, spur the economic growth of cities and improve quality of life.
A major challenge Both wastewater treatment and drinking water services fall under the responsibility of public authorities. Critical to public health and environmental balance, wastewater treatment needs to be stepped up in a world in which 2.6 billion people lack access to basic sanitation.
The three steps in wastewater treatment The process deployed by Veolia Water to preserve the quality of water involves three key steps.
Veolia Energy Expands its Baltimore Presence with District
Veolia Energy Expands its Baltimore Presence with District Cooling System Acquisition Working toward a more sustainable Baltimore, Veolia Energy adds the cutting-edge system and its 50 customers, representing over 11.5 million square feet, to its growing networks
Business Wire BALTIMORE -- February 10, 2010
Veolia Energy North America, a leading provider of sustainable energy services and facility operations and management solutions, is delighted to announce that it has purchased the Comfort Link district cooling system business. Comfort Link was previously a partnership of Baltimore Gas and Electric, a Constellation Energy subsidiary, and Monumental Investment Corporation, a subsidiary of EMCOR Group, Inc. One of the largest ice thermal storage systems in the country, Comfort Link serves 50 major customers, representing more than 11.5 million square feet. The acquisition will expand Veolia Energy’s existing district energy (heating, cooling and cogeneration) operations in Baltimore, with 16 new buildings served. Reflecting Veolia Energy’s commitment to sustainable development, Comfort Link’s cutting-edge ice thermal storage system reduces the number of required chillers and cooling towers, which makes it highly energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly. In addition, Comfort Link works as an energy storage system, allowing Veolia Energy to produce thermal energy during off-peak periods, potentially saving money, and reducing the demand for electricity during peak hours. Veolia Energy will provide preventive maintenance and will continue to invest in the system to increase efficiency. Customers connected to the system include federal, state, and Baltimore City government buildings; entertainment and retail establishments; commercial office buildings; hotels; hospitals; and religious and other non-profit facilities. “In addition to being a valued addition to our growing North American portfolio, the Comfort Link acquisition is the perfect complement to our existing heating and cooling network in Baltimore,” said Stewart A. Wood, President and CEO of Veolia Energy North America. “This system was particularly attractive given its high level of energy efficiency and its strong environmental profile, which matches our commitment to ensure that our systems help our customers reduce their carbon footprints. We are committed to providing excellent service to the many high-profile buildings and attractions served by this system, as we collectively work toward a more sustainable Baltimore.” The Comfort Link system delivers more than 32,000 tons of cooling capacity and approximately 40 million ton-hours of chilled water via an 11-mile distribution network. Founded in 1996, the system features four “networked” chilled-water production facilities. Veolia Energy anticipates future growth for Comfort Link as more buildings in the vicinity leverage the network as a cost-effective, highly-reliable and environmentally-responsible alternative to operating and maintaining their own thermal energy equipment. Prior to the acquisition of Comfort Link, Veolia Energy provided centrally produced steam, hot water and chilled water to approximately 250 commercial, government, institutional and hospitality customers, and nearly 30 million square feet of space, in Baltimore’s central business district, East Baltimore and Inner Harbor East areas. About Veolia Energy North America A subsidiary of Veolia Environnement, the world’s leading environmental services company, Veolia Energy focuses on controlling energy costs and reducing carbon footprints through energy-efficient, custom solutions. Solutions encompass the production and distribution of highly-reliable thermal energy; on-site operation of customers’ complex equipment to enhance the technical, economic and environmental performance; combined heat and power generation (cogeneration); and the introduction of renewable fuels into the energy mix where it is viable. Veolia Energy North America serves customers throughout the Continental USA, with a national reach and capability, and owns and operates the largest portfolio of district energy (heating, cooling and cogeneration) networks in the United States. With approximately 335,000 employees globally,
Veolia Environnement reported revenue of $50 billion in 2008.
THINK WHAT O'MALLEY'S HANDING OF MARYLAND TO A NATIONAL ELECTRICITY CORPORATION LIKE EXELON HAS ALREADY DONE TO RATEPAYERS/CITIZENS! THEN TRIPLE IT!
BALTIMORE IS ONE BIG CORPORATE WELFARE SYSTEM!!!
WE CAN REVERSE THIS! DO NOT THINK IT IS A DONE DEAL!
RUN AND VOTE FOR LABOR AND JUSTICE IN ALL ELECTIONS!
What people need to know is that with the infrastructure money ready to spout in to cities across America the move to contract out all the work to private contractors has Chow told to create a pay to play around the country for Maryland's 1% in exchange for this bonanza of water and sewage development. They are working to privatize water and sewage just as Rawlings-Blake did when she made Trash pickup separately charged from property tax. We now have completely privatized trash pickup and rates will be rising. So too now water and sewage.
We already know that VEOLA is in town to develop this water infrastructure development and no doubt will be the public private partnership that will run the agency once all is done. Remember, as we rebuild all public assets new.....neo-liberals hand off these services to private hands to operate making taxpayers responsible for all capital costs and as we know with energy/BGE, all operating costs.
Pay to play is a complicated thing as the interests of the 1% in Maryland must be expanded in the region chosen to represent and profit from work here in Maryland and Baltimore. That is what Chow's work entails. How does that work for the public? NOT AT ALL. Chow is not working for you and me, he is working for the 1% and their profit on our dime.
If you look closely at what public works has become since privatization of public services went on steroids with O'Malley in Baltimore, one only has to look at all of the dozens of independent contractors all working underground all using different resources and having different approaches to work, and none of it overseen for quality to know that we have a mess in our public works that will be a nightmare for the next generation of repair. These politicians say....we will be long gone when that mess is discovered. So too will be this water-sewage project unfolding! -
Travel by city's water chief questioned Rudy Chow spent 35 days this past year at conferences
By Luke Broadwater and Yvonne Wenger, The Baltimore Sun 9:47 p.m. EDT, September 4, 2013
The head of Baltimore's water system spent 35 days attending conferences in the past year, many of them out of state, records show. The travel has raised concerns among some city officials, who say Water and Wastewater chief Rudy Chow is needed here to focus on issues of crumbling infrastructure and erroneous bills.
Chow on Wednesday defended his attendance at 11 conferences, including eight out-of-state trips, as positive for the city. He said he learns from other jurisdictions and often holds up Baltimore's recent progress as a model for other cities.
"Just because I am traveling doesn't mean I am not focusing on work that needs to be done," he said. "By traveling to these different places, having these so-called professional affiliations, we can gain the insight of how other people are doing their business. ...
"We are among the most sought-after organizations in the utility world due to our transformational changes," Chow said. "People in our industry want to hear from us."
Among other trips, Chow traveled to Anaheim, Calif., in August of last year for the American Public Works Association Congress. In October, he went to New Orleans to give a presentation at the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibit and Conference.
And he traveled twice to Chicago for conferences, with plans for a third trip next month. The city's spending board approved $3,000 for that trip Wednesday.
Chow's trips became a subject of scrutiny at the Board of Estimates meeting when Baltimore Comptroller Joan M. Pratt questioned several of his agency's expenses. "Mr. Chow goes on a lot of travel for speaking conferences, and that information should be shared with the citizens of Baltimore," Pratt said. "It is at taxpayers' expense."
Chow has won praise as an innovative manager who is making improvements since joining Baltimore City government 21/2 years ago. But Pratt and some others pointed to the city's frequent water main breaks and erroneous water bills as evidence that Chow should spend more time here focused on day-to-day issues.
"I like it best when he's at home," said Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke.
Clarke said she has "a lot of respect" for Chow and believes he has taken steps to improve the troubled system. "But we have a long way to go," she said.
Chow has been reimbursed about $8,500 for travel expenses, records show. The city also paid at least $4,000 in registration fees for the various conferences, which can range from about $200 to about $1,000. Some of Chow's travel was paid for by outside entities, city officials said.
Kevin Harris, spokesman for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, said the administration is working to strike the "right balance between the need to have people travel and advocate on behalf of the city while taking steps to minimize costs to citizens."
Harris said Chow "has led in promoting several innovative reforms to our sewer system" that will bring down water billing and infrastructure costs. "It's not surprising that because of this leadership there is interest in learning more about what we are doing here in Baltimore which requires him to leave the city from time to time," Harris said.
Chow, who makes $132,000 annually, joined city government in 2011. The next year, the city's auditor found that the Department of Public Works overcharged thousands of water customers by at least $9 million. Exorbitant bills were especially infuriating to citizens as decades-old water lines cracked underground with regularity, sending water streaming down streets while disrupting traffic and sometimes gas and electric services. At the same time, the city has raised water rates by 42 percent over three years.
In response, Chow implemented what he has called "corrective actions" — part of a broader, long-term effort to address billing problems attributed to faulty water meters, outdated technology, human error and, in some neighborhoods, fabricated meter readings.
At the Board of Estimates Pratt noted that not all of Chow's travel has been approved by the panel. She also questioned the agency's hiring of consultants who are paid more than city workers, as well as the creation of several new administrative positions that pay in excess of $100,000.
Councilmen Nick Mosby and Edward Reisinger said they had not evaluated Chow's travel. But both praised Chow for his efforts to address Baltimore's water system troubles.
"Mr. Chow has always been a very high professional and very knowledgeable, trying to think outside the box when it comes to our aging infrastructure," Mosby said.
Reisinger said he's not opposed to travel by government workers and sees conferences and workshops as opportunities to improve services. "I support when he goes to the conferences, if he learns something," Reisinger said, "if there's something to take back."
Councilman Carl Stokes said the outward appearance of the travel might not sit well with some Baltimore residents, especially those who have received erroneous water bills in recent months. The best response going forward is for the agency to be completely transparent about the expenses and purpose of the trips, Stokes said.
"It's the perception — I am not saying it's right or wrong," Stokes said. "I don't know the ins or outs of the travel. … When people are threatened by fraudulent or very high water bills, and then to raise the water bill double-digits every year, it would seem to many there should be belt-tightening in discretionary spending or travel that is not necessary."
_____________________________________________
If you do not think that the mayor and city council are working to privatize Baltimore's police and fire departments to private contractors -----think again. We already see International Security corporations being brought in for banks and other institutions and YOU CAN BET THAT THESE POLS ARE BEING PUSHED BY JOHNS HOPKINS TO GO PRIVATE CONTRACTING.
If you think these police ignore you and could care less about obeying ;law.....wait until these International Security people come to town. These corporations are generally hiring former private military police and special forces people.
STOP ALLOWING A NEO-LIBERAL CONTROLLED DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL PARTY CHOOSE YOUR CANDIDATES.....RUN AND VOTE FOR LABOR AND JUSTICE CANDIDATES! UNEMPLOYED? RUN FOR ELECTED OFFICE AND BE A GOOD GUY!
Cities Cut Police, Switch to Private Contractors
By Agence France-Presse
17 November 11
he central Minnesota town of Foley tried having its own police department and contracting with the county sheriff's department for law enforcement.
Nationwide, other cities have supplemented traditional police with contracted officers, said John Firman, director of research for the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
But as cities across the US struggle with the economic downturn, more will look at innovative ways of providing public safety, Mr Firman said.
"For the first time in our history … police are no longer immune from budget cuts," he said.
After cuts in state aid and uncertainty about future funding, Foley City Council started looking at options to save money on policing. The town decided to contract with General Security Services Corporation to provide 24-hour coverage starting in January for about $US16,000 ($15,592) a month.
Budget cuts have also forced a county school board in Colorado to sell advertising space on student report cards to help make ends meet.
Jefferson County Public Schools expects to make $US90,000 over three years from Collegeinvest, a college savings plan, for the five-centimeter ads on report cards issued by its 91 primary schools. The school board last year slashed its spending by $US40 million after reduced state and federal government support.
"We're obviously looking for revenue generators and taking them where we can find them," board spokeswoman Melissa Reeves said.
The Jefferson County school board already sells advertising space on buses to a bank. Ms Reeves said it anticipates making a further $US70 million in spending cuts in coming years, as the US struggles to put hard times behind it.
__________________________________
Now, I have already introduced you to VEOLA as the Transportation contractor that is privatizing public transportation MTA. There is much more to VEOLA and it is a company that just a decade ago did not have much profit but now, since it is now being connected to municipalities all across America.....it is a global corporation with the 1% owning most the company. It is not just a French corporation....it is globally owned and Maryland's 1% are in on the ground floor.
As you can see this one corporation is taking all of our public services and making them private. Could we do the same thing this corporation as far as sustainability and development as a public utility/service? OF COURSE WE CAN AND WILL!
BALTIMORE DEVELOPMENT WITH JOHNS HOPKINS IS MAKING ALL THAT IS PUBLIC PRIVATE AND CITIZENS WILL YET AGAIN BE USED TO FINANCE ALL CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND OPERATING COSTS IN THEIR NEED FOR THIS ESSENTIAL COMMODITY......
WE CAN DISBAND ALL THIS STUFF AND RETURN IT ALL TO PUBLIC SERVICE IF YOU RUN AND VOTE FOR LABOR AND JUSTICE.
We already know that the poor and working class will again be placed into a rationing because they will not be able to afford market-value on water and heating/cooling/transportation. SO WHY ARE LABOR AND JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS IN BALTIMORE AND MARYLAND NOT SHOUTING LOUDLY AND STRONGLY AGAINST THIS?
Veolia Energy North America Holdings, Inc. Veolia Energy Boston, Inc Veolia Energy in Philadelphia Veolia Energy Los Angeles,Veolia Energy in Kansas City,
Veolia Water Baltimore
By treating wastewater, Veolia Water helps to protect water resources, spur the economic growth of cities and improve quality of life.
A major challenge Both wastewater treatment and drinking water services fall under the responsibility of public authorities. Critical to public health and environmental balance, wastewater treatment needs to be stepped up in a world in which 2.6 billion people lack access to basic sanitation.
The three steps in wastewater treatment The process deployed by Veolia Water to preserve the quality of water involves three key steps.
- Collection. This is done through a wastewater collection system consisting of a network of pipes. This conveys the wastewater to the treatment plant. Collection systems are maintained regularly (cleaning, monitoring, etc.) to prevent blockages and corrosion.
- Treatment. The way that the water is dealt with at a wastewater treatment plant is based on its degree of pollution and the legislative standards governing its discharge into the environment.
- Discharge into the environment. After processing at a treatment plant, the water is returned to the natural environment in a way that does not adversely impact environmental balances.
Veolia Energy Expands its Baltimore Presence with District
Veolia Energy Expands its Baltimore Presence with District Cooling System Acquisition Working toward a more sustainable Baltimore, Veolia Energy adds the cutting-edge system and its 50 customers, representing over 11.5 million square feet, to its growing networks
Business Wire BALTIMORE -- February 10, 2010
Veolia Energy North America, a leading provider of sustainable energy services and facility operations and management solutions, is delighted to announce that it has purchased the Comfort Link district cooling system business. Comfort Link was previously a partnership of Baltimore Gas and Electric, a Constellation Energy subsidiary, and Monumental Investment Corporation, a subsidiary of EMCOR Group, Inc. One of the largest ice thermal storage systems in the country, Comfort Link serves 50 major customers, representing more than 11.5 million square feet. The acquisition will expand Veolia Energy’s existing district energy (heating, cooling and cogeneration) operations in Baltimore, with 16 new buildings served. Reflecting Veolia Energy’s commitment to sustainable development, Comfort Link’s cutting-edge ice thermal storage system reduces the number of required chillers and cooling towers, which makes it highly energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly. In addition, Comfort Link works as an energy storage system, allowing Veolia Energy to produce thermal energy during off-peak periods, potentially saving money, and reducing the demand for electricity during peak hours. Veolia Energy will provide preventive maintenance and will continue to invest in the system to increase efficiency. Customers connected to the system include federal, state, and Baltimore City government buildings; entertainment and retail establishments; commercial office buildings; hotels; hospitals; and religious and other non-profit facilities. “In addition to being a valued addition to our growing North American portfolio, the Comfort Link acquisition is the perfect complement to our existing heating and cooling network in Baltimore,” said Stewart A. Wood, President and CEO of Veolia Energy North America. “This system was particularly attractive given its high level of energy efficiency and its strong environmental profile, which matches our commitment to ensure that our systems help our customers reduce their carbon footprints. We are committed to providing excellent service to the many high-profile buildings and attractions served by this system, as we collectively work toward a more sustainable Baltimore.” The Comfort Link system delivers more than 32,000 tons of cooling capacity and approximately 40 million ton-hours of chilled water via an 11-mile distribution network. Founded in 1996, the system features four “networked” chilled-water production facilities. Veolia Energy anticipates future growth for Comfort Link as more buildings in the vicinity leverage the network as a cost-effective, highly-reliable and environmentally-responsible alternative to operating and maintaining their own thermal energy equipment. Prior to the acquisition of Comfort Link, Veolia Energy provided centrally produced steam, hot water and chilled water to approximately 250 commercial, government, institutional and hospitality customers, and nearly 30 million square feet of space, in Baltimore’s central business district, East Baltimore and Inner Harbor East areas. About Veolia Energy North America A subsidiary of Veolia Environnement, the world’s leading environmental services company, Veolia Energy focuses on controlling energy costs and reducing carbon footprints through energy-efficient, custom solutions. Solutions encompass the production and distribution of highly-reliable thermal energy; on-site operation of customers’ complex equipment to enhance the technical, economic and environmental performance; combined heat and power generation (cogeneration); and the introduction of renewable fuels into the energy mix where it is viable. Veolia Energy North America serves customers throughout the Continental USA, with a national reach and capability, and owns and operates the largest portfolio of district energy (heating, cooling and cogeneration) networks in the United States. With approximately 335,000 employees globally,
Veolia Environnement reported revenue of $50 billion in 2008.
THINK WHAT O'MALLEY'S HANDING OF MARYLAND TO A NATIONAL ELECTRICITY CORPORATION LIKE EXELON HAS ALREADY DONE TO RATEPAYERS/CITIZENS! THEN TRIPLE IT!
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