Cascade Energy Company Profile
Background
Overview
Cascade Energy is a 100% employee-owned consulting firm specializing in industrial energy efficiency and decarbonization. Founded in 1993, the company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has expanded its operations across multiple states, including Washington, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, and California.
Mission and Vision
Cascade Energy is committed to making industrial energy efficiency and decarbonization real, measurable, and lasting. The company partners with utilities, manufacturers, and businesses of all sizes to cut costs, reduce emissions, and achieve sustainability goals.
Primary Area of Focus
The company focuses on providing energy management services, including program design and implementation, carbon tracking and reporting, energy engineering, software solutions, and training. Its expertise spans the industrial, agricultural, municipal, and commercial building sectors.
Industry Significance
With over three decades of experience, Cascade Energy has built a reputation for high-quality work, serving clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. The company's services are integral to helping organizations meet their sustainability and energy efficiency objectives.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
Cascade Energy aims to deliver sustained energy savings and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions for its clients. In 2016, the company set a goal to achieve 8,000 GWh of sustained energy savings by 2028 and 1.7 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (MMTCDE) in GHG savings by 2024. As of 2025, it has achieved 64% of its energy savings goal and 60% of its GHG savings goal.
Areas of Specialization
The company specializes in energy efficiency program design and implementation, carbon tracking and reporting, energy engineering, software solutions, and training. Its expertise covers a wide array of industries, including agriculture, chemicals, cold storage, food processing, general manufacturing, high-tech, metals, plastics, pulp and paper, resource extraction, water and wastewater, wood, retail, and commercial buildings.
Key Technologies Utilized
Cascade Energy employs various technologies to enhance energy efficiency, including energy management information systems (EMIS), energy tracking software, and strategic energy management (SEM) programs. The company also offers a decarbonization implementation cloud platform, Gazebo, which has been valuable for clients like the San Antonio Water System.
Primary Markets Targeted
The company's primary markets include utilities, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings across North America. Cascade Energy partners with these organizations to implement energy efficiency programs, achieve sustainability goals, and reduce operational costs.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
Cascade Energy transitioned to a 100% employee-owned company in 2021 by establishing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This move was intended to align the interests of employees with the company's success and to foster a culture of ownership.
Total Funds Raised
Specific details regarding the total funds raised by Cascade Energy are not publicly disclosed.
Recent Funding Rounds
As a privately held, employee-owned company, Cascade Energy has not participated in recent external funding rounds.
Notable Investors
The primary investors in Cascade Energy are its employees, who hold ownership stakes through the ESOP.
Intended Utilization of Capital
The capital from the ESOP is utilized to support the company's operations, expand its service offerings, and invest in technologies that enhance energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts for clients.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
Cascade Energy's pipeline development focuses on energy efficiency projects across various sectors, including industrial, agricultural, municipal, and commercial buildings. The company works with clients to identify and implement projects that lead to significant energy savings and GHG reductions.
Stages of Development
The company engages in all stages of project development, from initial assessment and design to implementation and ongoing monitoring. Cascade Energy's comprehensive approach ensures that projects deliver sustained energy savings and contribute to clients' sustainability goals.
Target Conditions
Cascade Energy targets conditions that lead to energy inefficiencies and high GHG emissions, such as outdated equipment, inefficient processes, and lack of energy management practices. By addressing these conditions, the company helps clients optimize operations and reduce environmental impact.
Timelines for Anticipated Milestones
The timelines for project milestones vary depending on the complexity and scope of each project. Cascade Energy works closely with clients to establish realistic timelines and ensures that projects are completed on schedule to achieve desired outcomes.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
Cascade Energy has developed proprietary technologies, including the Gazebo decarbonization implementation cloud platform, which assists clients in tracking and reporting energy usage and GHG emissions. This platform has been instrumental in helping organizations like the San Antonio Water System implement effective energy strategies.
Significant Scientific Methods
The company employs strategic energy management (SEM) programs, energy management information systems (EMIS), and energy tracking software to analyze and optimize energy usage. These methods enable Cascade Energy to provide data-driven solutions that lead to measurable energy savings and emissions reductions.
AI-Driven Capabilities
While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, Cascade Energy's use of advanced software solutions and data analytics indicates a commitment to leveraging technology for energy optimization and decarbonization efforts.
Leadership Team
Executive Profiles
- Dan Brown: CEO of Cascade Energy, recognized on the 2025 Oregon 250 list for his leadership in energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Marcus Wilcox: Co-founder and former CEO, instrumental in establishing the company's mission and values.
- Jennifer McFarlane, NACD.DC: Director at Cascade Energy, contributing to the company's strategic direction.
- Alex Dommasch: Director at Cascade Energy, involved in the company's leadership team.
- Ray Hardiman, P.E.: Director at Cascade Energy, bringing engineering expertise to the leadership team.
- Amber Wolf: Director at Cascade Energy, contributing to the company's leadership and strategic initiatives.
Key Contributions
The leadership team has been pivotal in guiding Cascade Energy's growth, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and driving the company's mission to make industrial energy efficiency and decarbonization real, measurable, and lasting.
Market Insights and Competitor Analysis
Market Dynamics
The energy efficiency and decarbonization sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing regulatory pressures, corporate sustainability goals, and the need for cost-effective energy solutions. Companies like Cascade Energy are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend by offering specialized services that address these market demands.
Competitor Analysis
Cascade Energy faces competition from various firms in the energy efficiency and sustainability consulting space. Notable competitors include:
- GridPoint: Provides energy management solutions and has been a top competitor to Cascade Energy.
- Power Management: Offers energy efficiency services and competes in the renewable energy industry.
- Dexma: Specializes in energy management software and services, operating in the energy and utilities field.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Cascade Energy collaborates with utilities, manufacturers, and businesses to implement energy efficiency programs and achieve sustainability goals. The company's partnership with Energy Trust of Oregon has led to significant energy savings and GHG reductions in the region.
Operational Insights
Cascade Energy's employee-owned structure fosters a culture of ownership and accountability, differentiating it from competitors. This model enhances employee engagement and aligns the company's interests with those of its clients.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Strategic Roadmap
Cascade Energy continues to focus on expanding its service offerings, enhancing technological capabilities, and strengthening partnerships to drive growth and impact in the energy efficiency and decarbonization sectors.
