COI Energy solves a conundrum: Letting businesses sell unused electricity — catch it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

In a world where traditional electricity supply methods often fall short, COI Energy is making waves by transforming how large enterprises manage their energy consumption. Many businesses, particularly those with sprawling campuses, have long struggled with outdated allocation systems. Unlike residential customers who only pay for what they utilize, these enterprises often purchase a set monthly capacity aligned with their peak demand, even if that level of consumption is rarely reached. SaLisa Berrien, the visionary founder and CEO of COI Energy, has experienced the impact of energy inefficiency firsthand. With a background in mechanical engineering and a strong track record in the energy sector, Berrien spent over two decades working for major utility companies and startups. Her personal experiences growing up in a household where paying for electricity was a challenge inspired her to pursue a career aimed at making energy more accessible and affordable. Berrien has dedicated herself to improving energy efficiency, tackling bottlenecks in production lines, and utilizing big data for optimization. However, she recognized a significant gap in the market: businesses were overspending on energy they didn’t actually use. This realization led her to develop a groundbreaking solution, resulting in multiple patents and the establishment of COI Energy. At its core, COI Energy operates a marketplace that allows enterprises within the same utility network to sell off excess energy capacity predicted to go unused. This innovative approach not only helps businesses reduce costs but also promotes a more efficient energy ecosystem. The company installs a patented energy gateway at each client site, ensuring compatibility with existing energy systems while collecting data to forecast electricity needs up to 90 days in advance. With funding of $3.5 million from notable investors and a promising pilot program involving five customers, COI Energy is already making strides in California, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York. The startup is not only focused on profitability but also committed to social responsibility. Berrien has pledged to donate 1% of the savings generated on the platform to nonprofit organizations assisting underprivileged communities with energy-related support. As COI Energy prepares to showcase its technology at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco, Berrien’s vision remains clear: to create an energy solution that not only benefits the environment but also uplifts communities, ensuring that no child faces the dark days she once did. Join COI Energy and other innovators at the event to learn more about their transformative approach to energy management.