- Your Current Rate:
What are you currently paying for electricity or natural gas? Are you on a variable rate or on a fixed rate? Your energy provider should be able to put together a product that works best for you. - Your Business Plans:
Do you have leases that may expire? Are you planning on expanding or reducing your operations in a way that may affect your energy consumption? Do you have properties you can aggregate under one contract? Your energy provider should be able to provide a product that addresses your specific business plans. - What Is Included in the Proposed Rate?
There are many ways energy providers can present rates. You need to ensure that when comparing one provider’s rate to another, you’re comparing apple-to-apples. Such as:
All reporting needs are included in your pricing schedule
Overpaying for services you won’t use - Contract Expirations and Auto-Renewals:
Booking a contract when you are already under contract can result in big exit fees. Likewise, letting contracts expire without taking any action can result in unfavorable “holdover” utility rates or undesired auto-renewals - Energy Management Services:
Consider enlisting an energy consultant to help manage the entire process. Energy consultants do the legwork, vetting energy suppliers and negotiating terms and rates that work best for you. If you have a large portfolio of stores, consider working with an energy management provider that will assist with tracking contracts and negotiating the best rates. Benefits, such as comprehensive reporting, can help assist with benchmarking and market trending.