Running your business is no small feat. You must ensure that you have everything in place and in order. This extends to your business’s energy consumption. When looking at your monthly energy bill, you might not understand all the details of your utilities. You might not be aware of whether your current energy rate is competitive or if your consumption is in line with businesses of a similar size.
It can be helpful to have someone on your team who’s equipped to negotiate prices with your energy providers. This is where utility consultant services come to the rescue. Businesses can hire an energy consultant via such services who can examine your energy usage, help you find competitive prices, reduce your energy consumption, and help your business become more environmentally conscious.
Read on to learn more about what an energy consultant can help you with regarding your business energy needs.
Reasons and benefits of hiring an energy consultant for your business
Here are six reasons to hire an energy efficiency consultant:
1. Energy industry perspective and expertise
The energy industry and the technology that drives it can get complicated for a business owner who does not know much about it. Business owners might not have much first-hand experience with energy procurement. It can be difficult to tell if the current energy provider is giving you a good deal, I.e if you are paying standard or excessive fees for your energy supply.
An energy consultant looks deep into these details and gives knowledgeable, trustworthy solutions. They can look at your business’s energy usage and identify ways to reduce it that you may not have noticed. They can develop a sound strategy that suits your needs with their fresh, informed perspective and creative problem-solving.
2. Optimize your staff allocation and augmentation
Utility experience costs are a significant financial concern for businesses – especially small businesses that may not have the budget to spare. Many companies don’t have anyone on staff with the specialized knowledge and understanding needed to help the company reduce its energy costs. However, even if they have, that person may not be able to give you the day-by-day commitment needed to solve your energy problems efficiently and promptly.
An energy consultant is like having a full-time energy manager without the extra cost. Your team can focus on what they’re good at instead of splitting their attention between managing energy usage and other tasks.
3. Accuracy in auditing utility bills
Your utility experience company might make mistakes that cost you money, but an energy consultant can help you avoid overpaying. They’ll audit your utility bills for errors, so you’re always charged a fair rate. They can also spot charges for services you didn’t order.
Furthermore, they usually have strong relationships with energy vendors. They’ll know whom to speak with to resolve bill-related issues, and their partnerships with suppliers can aid the process.
4. Join demand response programs
Utility experienced consultants can help your business join a demand response program. These are programs where a company gets paid for following energy-saving guidelines during peak power demand periods. Joining a demand response program can ease the stress on the power grid and lower your monthly energy bills.
When severe weather hits or an emergency happens, businesses often face a lot of damage and expenses. However, by investing in good weather protection or emergency plan, your business can save money in the long run. Not to mention, you can pass these savings on to your customers as well.
5. Energy and IT – Up to Date
The energy industry is always changing. Fuel prices constantly go up and down, and new technology develops that can make your energy consumption more efficient.
With ever-changing energy prices and the never-ending influx of new technologies, it can be difficult to know how to get the best deal and save on fuel or electricity. This is where an energy consultant can help. Not only will they help you navigate these changes, but they can also purchase and install energy-saving technologies that can save thousands of dollars on your yearly energy bills and improve your company’s environmental performance.
6. Leverage unique supplier relationships
Experienced energy consultants have built lasting relationships with multiple suppliers over time. These affiliations offer better prices, as the suppliers understand they need to compete for the contract. A consultant can also buy bulk from specific suppliers, which usually lowers prices. In addition, the consultant will be able to identify which supplier is a better match for your business needs – such as those who specialize in or offer green energy.
Summing Up
Energy consultants are problem-solvers who help businesses in a variety of ways, including:
– Solving problems that are unique to that business
– Implementing new systems and technology to lower costs
– Ensuring that companies aren’t overpaying on their utility bills
– Helping companies better understand their energy usage
It’s common for businesses to be on unsuitable contracts; an energy consultant can implement better-suited, tailor-made contracts. Businesses can save money and time and run more efficiently by doing so.
