GridPoint is an energy management and sustainability platform that empowers commercial and light industrial buildings to become smarter, more efficient, and grid-interactive. Headquartered in Virginia, USA, GridPoint provides a turnkey solution combining intelligent hardware, cloud software, analytics, and automation to optimize energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
The platform helps businesses gain real-time visibility into their energy usage, identify inefficiencies, and automate building systems for better operational performance. GridPoint’s customers include retail chains, restaurants, convenience stores, and school districts—sectors where high energy use and distributed sites present both challenges and opportunities for savings.
By turning energy data into actionable insights, GridPoint helps organizations reduce costs, achieve ESG goals, and participate in grid services such as demand response, positioning them as active players in the clean energy transition.
Features:
Energy Management System (EMS)
A comprehensive platform that combines metering, submetering, and intelligent controls to monitor and manage energy use in real time.Automated HVAC and Lighting Controls
Automatically adjusts heating, cooling, and lighting based on schedules, occupancy, and local weather, helping reduce unnecessary energy use.Grid-Interactive Buildings
Enables participation in utility demand response programs and other grid services to monetize flexibility and support grid stability.Building-Level Analytics
Provides granular insights into energy consumption patterns, equipment performance, and cost-saving opportunities across sites.Predictive Maintenance Alerts
Detects anomalies in equipment behavior to notify facility managers before failures occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.Portfolio-Wide Visibility
Centralizes data across multiple facilities, allowing organizations to benchmark, compare, and optimize performance fleet-wide.Sustainability Reporting Tools
Supports ESG reporting with detailed energy data, carbon reduction metrics, and cost-saving documentation.Automated Utility Bill Analysis
Verifies utility charges, monitors rate changes, and flags billing errors.Open Integrations
Compatible with a wide range of HVAC, lighting, and IoT devices and supports integration with third-party platforms.
How It Works:
Site Assessment and Installation
GridPoint assesses a building’s systems and installs hardware including energy meters, controllers, sensors, and automation devices.Data Collection and Cloud Sync
Real-time data on energy use, occupancy, weather, and system status is collected and uploaded to the GridPoint Intelligence Platform.Optimization and Automation
The platform uses AI and rule-based logic to automate HVAC and lighting operations, tailored to each facility’s schedule and needs.Monitoring and Alerts
Facility managers receive alerts and performance updates via an online dashboard and mobile tools.Reporting and Insights
Detailed analytics and sustainability reports are available to track energy performance, savings, and emissions reduction.Grid Services Participation
GridPoint can enroll buildings in demand response programs or virtual power plant networks to generate revenue from energy flexibility.
Use Cases:
Retail Chains
Optimize energy use across hundreds of stores while maintaining customer comfort and lowering operational costs.Restaurants and Food Service
Reduce HVAC and refrigeration energy consumption without compromising food safety or indoor environment.Schools and Public Buildings
Manage HVAC schedules based on occupancy and calendar events to save costs during off-peak hours.Commercial Real Estate
Attract tenants and improve building performance metrics by integrating smart energy management systems.Franchises and Multi-Site Businesses
Achieve centralized control and consistent sustainability performance across a portfolio of distributed locations.Utility Partners and Grid Operators
Aggregate building load for demand response and other distributed energy resource (DER) initiatives.
Pricing:
GridPoint uses a subscription-based pricing model, which typically includes:
Initial setup and hardware installation
Ongoing software platform access
Maintenance and support
Data analytics and reporting tools
Pricing is customized based on:
Number of locations
Size and complexity of each building
Systems integrated (e.g., HVAC, lighting, refrigeration)
Participation in demand response or other grid services
Strengths:
Turnkey Solution: Combines hardware, software, and support for a seamless experience.
Immediate ROI: Many customers report rapid payback through energy savings and utility incentives.
Grid Integration: Unique ability to make buildings grid-responsive and revenue-generating.
Scalable Platform: Works across multiple sites, ideal for franchises and distributed operations.
Automated Controls: Reduces the need for manual HVAC and lighting adjustments.
Detailed Analytics: Real-time data enables proactive facility management.
ESG and Compliance Support: Helps track energy reduction and sustainability KPIs.
Drawbacks:
U.S.-Centric: Currently focused on North American markets; limited support in other regions.
Hardware Installation Required: May involve upfront costs and time for setup.
Best for Commercial Buildings: Not suited for residential or heavy industrial environments.
Dependent on Internet Connectivity: Real-time monitoring relies on stable data connections.
Requires Ongoing Engagement: To maximize value, customers need to act on insights and maintain automation settings.
Comparison with Other Tools:
JouleSmart: Offers similar smart building automation; GridPoint stands out with stronger grid service integration and demand response features.
Schneider Electric EcoStruxure: Targets larger industrial systems. GridPoint is more tailored for mid-size commercial buildings and multi-site retailers.
Enel X: Focuses more on energy procurement and virtual power plants. GridPoint offers a more hands-on facility-level management platform.
BuildingIQ: Provides cloud-based energy intelligence but lacks the hardware-installation component that GridPoint uses for more robust automation.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials:
GridPoint has worked with well-known brands and organizations, including:
AutoZone
Wendy’s
Chipotle
Big Lots
School districts and city governments
Reported customer benefits include:
15–30% reductions in energy usage
Improved equipment life through predictive maintenance
Enhanced comfort and control at the store level
Access to new revenue streams via grid participation
Client testimonials highlight ease of use, measurable savings, and reliable support.
Conclusion:
GridPoint delivers a powerful, intelligent energy management solution tailored for commercial buildings looking to lower costs, boost efficiency, and contribute to a cleaner grid. By merging real-time data, automated controls, and participation in energy markets, GridPoint empowers businesses to transform their facilities into sustainable, high-performing assets.
As energy costs rise and sustainability regulations evolve, GridPoint offers the technology, services, and strategy companies need to thrive in a smarter energy future.
