PIDC, a public-private economic development corporation that owns and develops the Philadelphia Navy Yard, awarded Dominion Energy a 10-year electric utility operations and maintenance (O&M) services contract.
“We are pleased to award this important contract to Dominion Energy, who brings unparalleled O&M experience, deep resources, and the most comprehensive expertise and support for our advanced utility operations at the Navy Yard,” Kate McNamara, PIDC’s senior vice president, Navy Yard, said. “We are confident in their capacity and knowledge to provide the best level of service to our existing customers and future customers, and this will allow the next phase of real estate development to grow and flourish.”
Dominion Energy was picked for its strong financials and extensive experience with privatized military utility installations similar to the Navy Yard electric utility grid. Dominion’s responsive on-site management and commitment to small business subcontracting were two other key factors. To the latter point, Dominion Energy will be working with the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Economic Opportunity to implement an Economic Opportunity Plan to achieve an average of 40 percent of minority- and women-owned business enterprises for major repairs and planned capital projects over the 10-year contract period.
“Dominion Energy is excited to bring its expertise in providing top-notch service to the Navy Yard,” Todd Headlee, director of customer energy solutions – Dominion Energy Virginia, said. “We bring our best effort every day to our regulated customers in Virginia and will show the same commitment to the tenants and customers at the Navy Yard.”
Over the years, the Navy Yard has grown and its electric utility system has become more sophisticated since PIDC took over leadership in 2000 from the military. More than $35 million in upgrades have been made since 2010, including the addition of a peaking plant, a battery storage plant, and the first community solar project in Pennsylvania.
The next phase of development at the Navy Yard will solidify its place as a leader in business, manufacturing, R&D, and life sciences. Specifically, it will include creating a mixed-use district including retail, makerspace, and residential development. The Navy Yard is expected to add 5.4 million square feet of space over the next 15 to 20 years. Over this period, peak demand is expected to grow from 33 megawatts serving 105 accounts and 120 facilities to 55 megawatts.
The contract goes into effect on Nov. 1.
PIDC is a non-profit founded in 1958 by the City of Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to spur investment, support business growth, and foster developments that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive growth in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Navy Yard is a community of nearly 15,000 employees and 170 employers who occupy 7.5 million square feet across various property types, including office, retail, industrial, R&D, and institutional. Among the businesses based here are the Urban Outfitters headquarters, GSK’s North American headquarters, Jefferson Health, Wuxi, Iovance, Adaptimmune, Axalta’s Global Innovation Center, U.S. Navy engineering centers, technology startups, and an engineering, business, and research campus for Penn State University. There are also many amenities, including restaurants and cafes, a riverfront greenway, free shuttle access, bike share, and over 20 acres of open green space.