CGE Energy

What CGE Energy does

CGE Energy, Inc. is a Brighton, Michigan-based holding company operating through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Clean Green Energy, Inc. (legacy energy efficiency services) and Aradatum, Inc. (self-powered wireless telecom infrastructure, formed January 2021). The company's flagship offering is the CGE Sustain program, a no-upfront-cost energy services model that funds the installation of solar PV, LED lighting, combined heat and power, energy storage, HVAC, water efficiency, and control systems for commercial, municipal, and non-profit customers through the reallocation of projected energy bill savings.

Core technology rests on the proprietary WIND-e20 vertical axis wind turbine — a 105-foot, 100 kW turbine with six patents covering its fluid-driven design, crane-less installation frame (U.S. Patent 9,970,410), and collapsible blade deployment — which underpins both the legacy Sustain program and the Aradatum self-powered macro cell tower for 5G and edge computing applications. CGE Protect, a subscription maintenance program with a 36-hour on-site guarantee and energy savings guarantee, provides recurring post-installation revenue.

The business model combines project-based revenue (Sustain program funded through a financing partnership with a $900B+ global bank subsidiary enabling up to $10M per project) and subscription maintenance revenue (CGE Protect). Go-to-market is enterprise field sales targeting automotive dealerships, manufacturers, government facilities, universities, and multi-family housing in the Midwest, supported by DTE Energy trade ally status, SolarWorld Authorized Project Developer designation, and PACE certification. The company was originally founded in 1989 as Clean Green Energy LLC, merged with McKenzie Bay International in 2015, and previously traded on OTC Pink under the CGEI ticker before ceasing that listing in 2022 to refocus on Aradatum commercialization.

Name

CGE Energy

Legal name

CGE Energy, Inc.

Website

https://cgeenergy.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CGE Energy is a Michigan-based holding company that delivers no-upfront-cost energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to commercial, municipal, and non-profit customers through its CGE Sustain program, and develops self-powered 5G macro cell towers via its Aradatum subsidiary using the proprietary WIND-e20 wind turbine.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Services

NAICS

Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), Electric Power Generation (22111), Facilities Support Services (561210)

SIC

Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991), Electric Services (4911), Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585)

akta.pro primary industry

C&I Onsite/Behind-the-Meter Energy Supply (Solar, CHP, Microgrids) (EUAGACAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Building Energy Management & Demand Flexibility Software (BEMS, Optimization) (EUAFAGAK), SCADA/DMS/OMS Integration, Upgrades & Managed Services (EUAEANAE)

Keywords

• Energy efficiency services
• Renewable energy solutions
• LED lighting upgrades
• Wind turbine technology
• Energy savings programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Brighton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Sustain Program - Energy Savings Reallocation: CGE Sustain enables customers to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades with no upfront costs. Revenue is generated by reallocating the money customers save on their energy bills to offset power usage with clean, sustainable energy. Customers budget for energy expenses anyway; CGE helps redirect those savings to pay for comprehensive infrastructure upgrades. After the program cost is covered, excess savings go to the customer's bottom line.
2. Project Financing: CGE arranges financing for energy projects through capital partners including a global vendor finance company subsidiary of one of the world's largest banks. With strong capital backing, CGE can fund projects up to $10 million each. Additional revenue comes from deploying the Sustain program through Power Purchase Agreements, municipal project funding, commercial loans, and PACE property-tax financing.
3. CGE Protect Maintenance Services: Ongoing maintenance services for installed systems provided through CGE Protect program. Customers pay one low monthly payment for worry-free coverage including all labor, materials, and equipment. Revenue recognized over the contract life of installed projects.
4. Direct Technology Sales: Sale of individual energy technologies including LED lighting upgrades, solar PV systems, CHP units, energy storage, HVAC, and water efficiency solutions. Technologies offered through direct sales, financing, or as part of the CGE Sustain program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CGE Energy operates a sustainability-as-a-service platform anchored by its CGE Sustain program, which enables commercial, municipal, and nonprofit customers to install energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades (LED lighting, solar PV, CHP, energy storage, HVAC, water systems, control systems, and the proprietary WIND-e20 vertical axis wind turbine) with no upfront capital cost, funded through reallocated energy bill savings. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Aradatum, Inc., CGE also provides the world's first self-powered macro cell tower for 5G, private networks, and edge computing applications. The CGE Protect maintenance program delivers ongoing service coverage with a 36-hour response guarantee and an Energy Savings Guarantee.

Product overview

CGE Energy operates as a comprehensive energy solutions provider offering a unified sustainability-as-a-service platform centered on its proprietary CGE Sustain program. The core offering enables customers to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades with no upfront costs, funded through reallocated energy savings. The product portfolio includes the WIND-e20 proprietary vertical axis wind turbine (100 kW capacity, crane-less installation), Solar PV, LED Lighting, Combined Heat & Power (CHP), Energy Storage, HVAC & Refrigeration, High-Efficiency Water, and Control Systems. The company also offers CGE Protect as a maintenance add-on covering all installations. Through its Aradatum subsidiary, CGE provides self-powered 5G macro cell towers for telecommunications infrastructure. Technologies are delivered through the Sustain program, which reallocates existing energy budgets to fund comprehensive energy projects with guaranteed savings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CGE Sustain Program Flagship sustainability-as-a-service program that enables commercial, municipal, and nonprofit customers to implement comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades (LED lighting, solar PV, CHP, energy storage, HVAC, water efficiency, control systems, and wind) with zero upfront capital cost, funded by reallocating existing energy bill savings.
• CGE Protect Maintenance Program Worry-free full-service maintenance subscription covering all labor, materials, and equipment for installed systems. Includes 24/7 online customer portal, guaranteed 36-hour on-site response time, and an Energy Savings Guarantee that compensates the customer for any shortfall in engineered savings.
• WIND-e20 Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Proprietary 105-foot vertical axis wind turbine capable of generating up to 100 kW. Features crane-less installation on a flatbed truck, self-erecting capability, folding blades that deploy before storms, quiet operation, and bird/bat safety. Modular components accessible from the base.
• Aradatum Self-Powered Macro Cell Tower World's first self-powered macro cell tower that can be placed anywhere. Incorporates proprietary vertical axis wind turbine along with other renewable energy generation technologies for powering wireless communication networks. Designed for 5G, fixed wireless access, CBRS, neutral host, private networks, and edge computing applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Customers often save 25% or more off their monthly energy bill
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Roush IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 March 2022Roush, headquartered in Livonia, Michigan with over 4,500 employees globally, is CGE's strategic manufacturing and assembly partner for the WIND-e20 wind turbine. Companies completed 1/16th scale tower demonstrators. CGE works with Roush's engineering team on turbine demonstrator's major functions including quick installation, blade deployment, and upper mast rotation. Roush also supports patent innovations for community impact in communications, life safety, homeland security, and emergency response.
• TwisthinkflagshipTechnology or Integration · 16 February 2022Michigan technology and design firm appointed to lead Aradatum's tower control system development. Represents expansion of Aradatum's strategic development partners. Twisthink brings expertise in embedded systems and technology development for the self-powered macro cell tower platform.
• PK HousingflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture LOI signed to install energy projects at 65 multi-family properties. CGE to provide integrated energy projects across PK's portfolio of properties. Represents significant expansion opportunity in affordable housing sector.
• SolarWorld AmericasflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLargest U.S. solar manufacturer for 40 years named CGE as Authorized Project Developer of SolarWorld solar projects nationally and internationally. MOU signed for collaboration on projects. Validates CGE's solar installation capabilities and enables access to premium solar components.
• Orange Silicon ValleyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected Aradatum as winner of 'Green IT Challenge 2023'. As a Challenge winner, Aradatum has opportunity to conduct exploratory project with Orange business units. Validates Aradatum's self-powered telecom tower technology and opens doors to European telecom market.
• Burtek EnterprisescoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerEngineering team received CGE's complete and improved WIND-e20 wind turbine design. Serves as strategic manufacturing and assembly partner for turbine production. Delivered complete turbine design package for manufacturing implementation.
• DTE EnergyflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDTE Energy Designated Trade Ally status. Utility rebate programs enable CGE to secure rebates for customer projects (e.g., $50,400 for Briarwood Ford, $57,885 for Golling Automotive). Featured in DTE Energy EnergySmarts Magazine for Madonna University project. Generates qualified leads for CGE Sustain program.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Ameresco: Ameresco is a publicly traded ESCO offering turnkey energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for commercial, industrial, and government customers. It is the most direct comparable to CGE's Sustain business model, operating at much larger scale across North America.
• Willdan Group: Willdan provides energy efficiency and sustainability consulting plus engineering services to utilities, municipalities, and C&I customers. Comparable to CGE in targeting public-sector and utility-program-driven retrofits, with a stronger national footprint.

Emerging players

• Energy Focus: Energy Focus designs and supplies LED lighting retrofits for commercial and maritime markets. Overlaps with CGE's lighting-heavy Sustain projects where LED upgrades are a major value driver.
• Bloom Energy: Bloom Energy deploys fuel cell-based on-site CHP and power generation for commercial and industrial customers. Comparable to CGE's CHP offerings via Clean Green Energy, but with a different technology stack and larger scale.
• Capstone Green Energy: Capstone manufactures small-scale microturbines used for CHP and distributed generation at C&I sites. Comparable to CGE's on-site generation strategy, particularly for behind-the-meter applications.

Broad incumbents

• Constellation Energy: Constellation is a major U.S. competitive power supplier with renewable and energy efficiency product lines serving commercial and industrial customers. Overlaps with CGE's behind-the-meter supply and demand-management offerings.
• Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric provides building energy management, power distribution, and sustainability services globally. Comparable to CGE's control systems and energy management layers within Sustain projects.
• Johnson Controls: Johnson Controls is a global building efficiency provider offering HVAC, controls, and energy services to commercial customers. Comparable to CGE's HVAC, controls, and integrated facility efficiency stack but at much larger scale.
• Sunrun: Sunrun is a leading distributed residential solar and storage provider with a leasing/PPA model that parallels CGE's no-upfront-cost approach. Different end market (residential vs. C&I) but similar financial-product innovation.
• Crown Castle: Crown Castle is one of the largest U.S. macro tower operators and a major 5G infrastructure player. Relevant as a competitor and potential customer for Aradatum's self-powered macro cell tower technology.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CGE Energy