Grand Rapids conservation company launches in five states, adds six local engineering jobs

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

U.S. Energy Engineers is less than 18 months old and already the energy efficiency consulting company operates in five states, has eight employees and plans to add six engineering positions in West Michigan.

“We’re expecting to double our revenue this year,” says President and founder Felix Goto. “We know we need to add another six mechanical, electrical and energy engineers for the highly specialized work that we do to tackle the energy issues of the day.”

The company works with large and mid-sized industrial firms and other businesses to help the companies reduce their gas and electric bills. The engineers analyze systems such as compressed air systems and HVAC systems using ultrasonic leak detectors, light sensors and sophisticated mapping systems that can redraw a facility from scratch.

“We attack the utility bills and see ways to reduce energy costs,” says Goto. “Some companies we’ve saved over $200,000 a year—it depends on the company. We never do work unless it’s a two-year or less payback.”

U.S. Energy Engineers detects the energy inefficiencies, but does not do the repairs in order to keep their work free of bias.

The firm recently received authorization to work with utility companies as an energy consultant in Oregon, and currently does the same type of work in Illinois, Wisconsin and Colorado.

“We assist with energy efficiency strategies and help the client get specific energy rebates or reduced energy costs,” Goto says. “We’re operating out of Grand Rapids and flying to the client. Hope to open offices in Portland, Oregon soon.”

The company recently moved to 3,500 square feet at 2960 Lucerne Drive in Cascade. Chris Beckering of Grubb & Ellis Paramount Commerce brokered the transaction.

Source: Felix Goto, U.S. Energy Engineers

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].