Ready to get ahead of rising energy costs? Schedule a complimentary energy cost consultation today.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Energy managed service provider Future Energy has formed a key new strategic partnership and refined its service offerings.
Future Energy is now a preferred vendor in The Shop, the curated online e-commerce platform, powered by FordDirect.
As a preferred vendor, Future Energy can bring its blend of EV and energy managed service solutions to an expanded group of dealers that have access to The Shop to buy products and services, with preferred pricing options.
FordDirect is a joint venture between Ford dealers , Lincoln retailers and Ford Motor Co. It introduced The Shop in early 2024 to allow dealers to easily access companies like Future Energy, that have offerings of particular interest to dealers.
The strategic partnership dovetails with Troy-based Future Energy’s launch and refinement of its managed service plans, known as the Connected Management Experience, or CME.
CME products offer a centralized energy management dashboard and are tailor-made for businesses such as auto dealers. Future Energy supports businesses that are seeking to drive more predictability with energy costs, plus support EV inventory management and customer service.
The software functions much like a customer relationship management (CRM) or dealer management system (DMS) platform – yet it goes beyond energy investment. CME serves as an operational command center that integrates energy oversight with day-to-day dealership functions, including EV infrastructure monitoring, employee charging permissions, and customer-facing charging solutions.
The CME plans, including the new CME Pro+ option, offer proprietary and ROI-focused features such as real-time automated energy load shedding, plus training, and support through Future Energy’s Customer Success team. Various CME package tiers are available for the combination of software tools and people-based support. Pro+ offers expanded functionality such as a real-time business intelligence dashboard, regular on-site inspections, and quarterly business reviews.
“Right now is a really smart time for dealers to start getting more control over their energy investments,” said Sam DiNello, CEO of Future Energy. “We pair our products and services with hands-on support from our dedicated client success advisors, who help businesses track their energy use, make real-time adjustments, and get the most value out of every dollar they spend.”
Future Energy’s “plan, install, manage” model includes consulting on energy business planning, coordination with energy utilities, permitting, installation, customer support, training, troubleshooting, and more.
The company offers a range of packages based on the level of energy managed service needs an auto retailer may have.
“It’s a seamless and turnkey option for businesses that are seeking to exceed their customers’ expectations,” said DiNello.
FordDirect recognizes that dealerships face an increased demand for day-to-day resources including meeting customer expectations, complying with regulations, managing employees, updating technology and planning sales events. The listings on The Shop with preferred partners and affiliates are designed to help dealers save time and money.
“Future Energy will now help Ford dealers and Lincoln retailers spend more time doing what they do best while also supporting FordDirect’s mission as a trusted partner and resource to find the best vendors in the market, such as Future Energy, for all of their needs,” explained Dean Stoneley, FordDirect CEO.
About FordDirect: FordDirect is a joint venture of Ford dealers, Lincoln retailers and Ford Motor Co created to drive retail success. FordDirect connects data, analytics and tech to provide digital marketing and advertising support exclusively to Ford and Lincoln dealers.
About Future Energy: Future Energy, an energy managed service provider, empowers businesses by integrating advanced energy management and connected technologies – all backed by proprietary software and a dedicated client success team.
Sam DiNello is Chief Executive Officer at Future Energy. He is an expert in the EV infrastructure space and passionate about innovative data-driven solutions that help companies access real-time intelligence for real-time action.
