How to Choose an Energy Consultant
As the cost of energy continues to increase, and with a carbon tax in the picture, it is ever more crucial to seek the best price for energy for your facility. A lot of businesses are resorting to procurement partners to help them in choosing the best energy supplier. A good energy consultant from solar power professionals can help in securing a good contract, but knowing whom to hire can be a challenge.
When looking for an energy consultant, consider the following:
Transparency and Comparative Quotes
Select a partner that believes in transparency, that is, by giving you all the pertinent information to help you make smart decisions regarding your needs (some consultants will provide no more than their recommendations). Also keep in mind that the cheapest price isn't necessarily your best option since many other issues have to be factored in, like operation charges, contract terms, network tariff optimization, and so on.
Clear Commission Structure and Payment Rules
Know your costs from the get-go. Choose a partner who receives the same commission from every single energy providers in the area - this makes sure that there will be no favoritism. Additionally, they must not charge more than a single stakeholder for the initiative (some consultants charge both their client and the retailer). It's either the retailer pays them, or you do directly.
No Quotas You will do well to avoid consultants that need to meet quotas with providers.
They may have a hard time staying objective or neutral, which is necessary for effective energy consulting. Typically, when a consultant offers you no more than a single option - the "best option" - it's all about filling a quota.
License/Certification
Some states, through the Public Service Commissions/Public Utilities Commissions, may issue certifications to aggregators, marketers, and brokers working in the natural gas and electric industry. A state-licensed or state-certified energy consultant is likely to have the managerial, technical, and financial means to offer topnotch energy consulting and procurement services. You should also consider hiring an energy consultant who has an active relationship with industry groups and has access to Energy Star and other energy-related federal programs.
Another reason to work with a certified energy brokers consultant is that you need someone who is always abreast with the latest developments in the industry. These changes could come as new laws and regulations, new technologies, or new market opportunities worth exploring.
Carbon Tax
Finally, note that in some retail electricity contracts, the cost of carbon is considered, although some clauses permit adjustments as the carbon price is introduced. Always insist on a carbon-inclusive contract to avoid unanticipated price hikes because of carbon prices."
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