Imagine you're the principal energy buyer for a national chain of managed health care centers, with a $200-million annual energy tab. Top management asks you to assess how the chain can cut its energy bills.
You turn to your local electric and gas utility, which talks a lot about customer service, but doesn't have much to show for it yet.
Detroit Edison Co. (DE) has received approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission for
10-year sole-supplier contracts for electric power and related services with Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors. (Case No.
U-10646). DE is believed to be the first utility in the nation to secure such agreements for an entire industry in its service territory
The almost identical contracts involve a
1,000-megawatt combination of firm and interruptible power, giving rate discounts to the automakers.