CustomerFirst Renewables
9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Suite 210, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States

Our founders, Gary Farha and Dilip Kamat, began working together over 30 years ago as energy practice leaders and partners at McKinsey & Company, one of the world’s premier global management consulting firms. They realized that the regulated returns to shareholders and a hundred years of established processes made it very difficult for utilities to transition to a customer-first model that adapted to changing market needs.  Twenty years later, electric market deregulation, the advent of natural gas as a marginal fuel source and improvements in efficiency technology had drastically altered the market and reduced the overall cost of electricity. But as renewable energy gained traction due to a growing demand for sustainable solutions and lower costs, utilities were still capturing the lion’s share of their value. Farha and Kamat considered this and saw an opportunity for a broader set of customers to take more control with renewables.  They assembled a team of energy experts from around the country and built CustomerFirst Renewables (CFR), the first renewable energy advisory services firm to be focused solely on the end-user. CFR was designed from the beginning to operate outside the existing paradigm, founded on transparency and giving customers product offerings that were different than what had been available before. Since 2010, we have expanded to a team of over 40 professionals and accumulated a satisfied base of global C&I, higher ed, government and other institutional clients.  We at CFR believe that customers will continue to have an ever-growing in role managing their own electricity supplies. With growing innovation on the supply-side and the increasing implications of climate change on each end user’s triple bottom line, we are committed to helping users of electricity strategize about what mix of energy sources is right for them – and then doing everything we can to get them there, consistent with their needs.

Mission & Values

CFR was founded in 2010 with a central mission: to be a key catalyst in doubling renewable electricity (RE) use in the U.S. by 2025 by helping clients secure cost-effective solutions. Everything we do is guided by this mission and informed by our set of five core values:

• Customer first mindset: As the first renewable energy advisory services firm focused solely on end-users, we provide unbiased, fact-based analysis and support that is tailored to our clients’ individual needs.

• Ethics beyond reproach - Ethics beyond reproach: We are privately- held and fully independent, allowing for objective, transparent support that is not financially beholden to any project, product, developer or utility.

• Innovate the industry -Innovate the industry: We design tailored solutions for our clients, pushing the envelope on what has been done before.

• Be the best team - Be the best team: Our diverse team of passionate and driven individuals offers world-class end-to-end expertise on all dimensions of the renewable energy value chain.

• Keep getting better - Keep getting better: We adapt our solutions to the rapidly changing market, rather than settle on a “one size fits all” solution.

Approach Energy Strategically

As an experienced, independent advisor, CustomerFirst Renewables (CFR) helps organizations navigate their transition to an impactful and cost-effective renewable energy strategy. With a customer-first mindset and co-pilot mentality, we steer you through unfamiliar waters toward lasting energy solutions that promote sustainable growth and business longevity.  We exclusively serve corporate and institutional end-users—from leading brands and global manufacturers to research universities, healthcare and governmental institutions. CFR tailors strategies to the specific needs of your organization, providing clear explanation and serving as an “objective cheerleader” throughout the process. As the first renewable energy advisor to create solutions tailored specifically to the end-user, we understand the many challenges of the industry, and are on your side as a committed partner to support you throughout the journey.

How We Create an Alternative Energy Strategy

Your energy strategy development begins with a thorough analysis of current energy usage, cost and sources of supply across all of your locations. CFR weighs your “business-as-usual” (BAU) energy sources against your potential new supply mix options after implementing an alternative energy strategy.  We conduct thorough research and analytics to confirm your alternative power solutions and compare the terms, benefits, risks, and potential outcomes of each option to make sure your organization arrives at the right supply mix. Our rigorous, fact-based analysis and long-standing industry experience equip us with all the tools energy end-users need to go green, ensuring you are fully informed and confident in your decision. Contact us, and we can discuss how to get started.