220 Forum Drive

At a Glance
• System Configuration: 1 × C65 Grid Connect Capstone Microturbine with BAS controls integration
• Annual Generation: >500,000 kWh/year
• Energy Savings: ~$50,000 / year in reduced utility expenditures
• Thermal Integration: 430,000 BTU/hr of hot water offsetting common space heating, domestic hot water, and building amenities


The Challenge
Managing high-rise condominium properties like Tuscany Gate (a 20-story, 236-suite complex) involves continuous operational pressure to control monthly Common Element Maintenance fees. With intensive energy requirements driven by resident suites alongside high-demand shared amenities - including a pool, fitness center, party rooms, meeting facilities, and underground parking - utility costs account for a massive portion of the operating budget. In 2014, the condo board sought a reliable operational partner to take over and optimize their existing onsite energy plant to ensure peak efficiency, stabilize common element heating expenses, and protect owners from rising grid tariffs.


The Solution
Veristar Energy assumed full O&M and service optimization for the property’s 65 kW microturbine Combined Heat & Power system, integrating the asset directly with the building’s Automation System (BAS).
• Baseload Electricity Offsetting: Generates over 500 MWh of continuous electricity on-site annually, directly displacing expensive grid power used for common elements and facility operations.
• Targeted Thermal Recovery: Recovers 430,000 BTU/hr of high-grade exhaust heat in the form of hot water, supplementing the building's hydronic space heating, domestic hot water systems, and year-round amenity thermal loads.
• Proactive Asset Management: Restored system availability and long-term reliability through specialized microturbine service expertise, ensuring maximum economic yield from the existing infrastructure.
• Seamless BAS Integration: Works in harmony with the facility's central building automation system to match generation cycles with peak thermal and electrical demand periods.


The Results
• $50,000 Annual Utility Reduction: Directly lowers property operating expenses, easing pressure on common element fee increases for all 236 unit owners.
• Protected Operating Budget: Displaces primary natural gas boiler consumption for domestic hot water and heating, shielding the corporation from gas and electricity market volatility.
• Ultra-Low Maintenance Overhead: Utilizes single-moving-part, air-bearing microturbine technology, delivering quiet, vibration-free operation ideal for high-density residential environments.
• Extended Asset Lifespan: Turned an underperforming asset into a consistent cash-flow generator through long-term operational partnership and technical mastery.