The Fractional Energy Manager: A Vital Piece of the Puzzle

Aladaco’s Jon Feldman, Senior Energy Advisor, knows that successful energy management is more than a one-size-fits-all approach. With a wealth of experience in energy management—backed by certifications like CEM, CMVP, and 50001 CP—Jon understands the value of tailored solutions in today’s energy landscape. 

In this post, Jon dives into the world of Fractional Energy Managers (FEM), an emerging role that provides small to medium organizations with expert-level energy management oversight without the full-time investment. So, what makes the FEM model an ideal fit for businesses aiming to balance energy efficiency with budget constraints? Let’s find out.

What’s the Deal with Fractional Energy Managers?

I’ll admit, “Fractional Energy Manager” sounds like someone who’s only half invested. But don’t let the name fool you! This concept has a full-on impact. Many organizations can’t justify a full-time energy manager, and asking the Operations or Facility Managers to handle the company’s carbon footprint “in their spare time” just doesn’t cut it. This is where a Fractional Energy Manager (FEM) steps in, offering all the expertise of an energy manager but on a part-time basis. It’s about finding the “Goldilocks” level of support—just right to make energy management feasible and valuable for small to medium facilities.

Isn’t This a Bit Far-Fetched?

Not at all. In fact, it’s been done before. Remember the Roving Energy Manager (REM) role that was funded through Ontario’s Save on Energy program back in 2011? That program was a game-changer, providing organizations with a shared energy resource at no cost. Although the REM program has moved to “retirement mode,” a few FEMs are still roaming free in Ontario, fully funded by the organizations they serve. So yes, FEMs have proven their worth, and there’s a strong case for why we could be seeing even more of them. Think of FEMs as the ultimate “green consultants”—sustainable, practical, and effective.

Okay, I’m Listening. What’s the Value Here?

The value of having an in-house energy manager is clear: you have someone in your corner with specialized energy expertise, directly supporting energy performance and emissions reduction goals. But let’s take that value a step further. FEMs bring unique advantages beyond the obvious cost savings, and they won’t be raiding the office snack supply.

First, FEMs typically come with deep connections and access to a broader pool of expertise, either within their firm or their professional network. This can speed up energy performance improvements because FEMs often know exactly who to call and which buttons to push to get things done.

Additionally, FEMs have one focus: energy management. There are no “other duties as assigned” distracting them. And since FEMs work with multiple clients, they bring fresh, cross-industry insights to each one—though, of course, they maintain professional boundaries and would not work for direct competitors. They’re just in it for the efficiency, not the drama.

But Let’s Be Real – There Are Still Challenges

Sure, some hurdles come with adopting a fractional model. But the great news is most of these challenges have simple solutions that wouldn’t even require an energy drink to solve.

One issue is that FEMs, being external, might initially lack access to key information and senior-level support. But standards like ISO 50001 and programs like Strategic Energy Management (SEM) can guide organizations in integrating FEMs smoothly. These standards provide guidance and even some cheat codes to make sure an FEM can function as seamlessly as an internal team member.

Another challenge is ensuring FEMs can dedicate enough time to uncover and implement the right improvements. Yet, good energy management practices emphasize continual improvement, so the goal isn’t making every site perform at Olympic standards—just steady, meaningful progress.

Finally, there’s the classic onboarding hurdle. An FEM learning the ropes can take time, but thankfully, the ISO 50001 and SEM communities offer guidance and resources that can help flatten this learning curve, so the FEM can focus on energy and leave the Wi-Fi troubleshooting to someone else.

The Road Ahead: A Promising Future for FEMs

Challenges? Sure, they exist. But they’re minor compared to the value a Fractional Energy Manager can bring to an organization. With energy management standards continually evolving, FEMs are poised to become an indispensable part of the energy and carbon management landscape. Think of them as the heroes we didn’t know we needed—armed with spreadsheets, certifications, and a passion for kilowatt-hours and gigajoules.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

The FEM model has immense potential to reshape how we think about energy management, and Aladaco is dedicated to helping organizations unlock this potential. Whether you're looking for expert guidance on a specific project or need consistent, tailored support, we act as a fractional energy management resource to fit your unique needs. By integrating seamlessly with your operations, our team delivers the insights, strategies, and measurable impact necessary to meet your goals—all without the commitment of a full-time resource. As we continue this journey, sharing success stories and addressing challenges is key to realizing the full potential of FEMs. I’m excited to see where this path leads and am always open to discussing ways to make this model work for more organizations. Together, we can make a substantial difference in tackling the impacts of climate change. Learn more about our approach at Aladaco Energy Management.

Show Your Support for Smarter Energy Solutions!

By advocating for the inclusion of Fractional Energy Managers (FEMs) in future energy efficiency programs across North America, we can help make energy management expertise more accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Your voice matters! While we may not directly influence program administrators or regulators, expressing support for the inclusion of FEMs in energy efficiency initiatives sends a clear message about the need for broader adoption of this model in future frameworks. Together, we can drive progress toward more sustainable, impactful, and inclusive energy solutions.

Add your voice today by submitting an online statement of support

Curious about how a Fractional Energy Manager can benefit your organization? Drop us a line or connect with me directly at jfeldman@aladaco.com! Let’s see how a Fractional Energy Manager can help you start saving gigajoules, kilowatt-hours, dollars, and maybe even your sanity.