The Energy ABC’s for Decision Makers
Apr 29, 2014

Energy can be a complex subject for anyone to understand, but with just a basic understanding you can become an increasingly savvy decision maker. And what better way to learn the basics than through the alphabet.

Learn Your Energy ABC's - Alternative Utility Services

A is for Audits: Have one conducted to ensure you’re not being incorrectly billed.

B is for Benchmarking: An easy way to assess the energy efficiency of your building, and maybe even avoid a fine.

C is for Capacity: A significant portion of your electricity costs, but there are several ways you can reduce it.

D is for Demand Response: Get paid for committing to reduce energy.

E is for Energy Efficiency: These projects save energy and should be considered in your alternative energy supply contract. They could bring in additional revenue, as well.

F is for Fees: They’re in every energy contract, but you need not be surprised by them.

G is for Green Energy: Whether you have it on site or through RECs, don’t forget about it when purchasing energy.

H is for Holistic: The view you should take when assessing a building’s energy, because each facet relates to another.

I is for Insurance: Know what fixed pricing options are available to protect you against extreme market volatility.

J is for June: When summer starts and peak electric loads begin being calculated – it’s time to think about dropping your peak electric load.

K is for Kilowatt hour: The unit of measurement for your electricity consumption.

L is for Load Profile: How and when you use electricity greatly impacts the competitive pricing available.

M is for Market Volatility: The natural condition of energy markets.

Learn Your Energy ABC's - Alternative Utility Services

N is for Natural Gas: You may purchase it as a commodity, but it also impacts your electricity price.

O is for Ongoing Energy Management: What each building requires to achieve optimal results.

P is for Pass-Throughs:  Don’t be scared – if managed correctly, these commodity components may actually reduce your energy costs.

Q is for Quality Competition:  When multiple reputable suppliers bid for your energy, you get the lowest price.

R is for Reverse Auction: A tool that bring suppliers together in real-time to bid down the cost of your energy.

S is for Swing: Contracted Quality Tolerance – to give you more flexibility and protection when the unexpected happens.

T is for Timing: A critical aspect for getting the best energy price.

U is for Utility Tariffs: Being on the correct one can save you thousands of dollars, even if you’re with a third party supplier.

V is for Variable:  Which is the rate you could be on if your fixed contract expires, exposing you to increased risk.

W is for Weather-Normalization: Don’t forget about this if you want to accurately analyze your energy situation.

X is for “X”: The spot you sign on your energy contract.

Y is for Your Bottom line:  Remember – energy costs account for about 30% of business operating expenses.

Z is for Zero: The amount of time you should spend in agonizing over the energy challenges of your facilities.


Learn your Energy ABC’s and you’ll save time, money and resources! Any questions – contact AUS and we’ll be happy to help.

Related Posts

Lighting as a Service for Businesses of Greater Decatur

Alternative Utility Services (AUS), a registered Program Ally of the Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy® Program, and the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce have partnered together to offer all area businesses the opportunity to upgrade their facility’s lighting to more...

Lighting as a Service for Greater Oshkosh Businesses

Alternative Utility Services (AUS) through the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation is providing all local area businesses the opportunity to upgrade their facility’s lighting to more efficient LED fixtures with no capital expense. This program is designed...

For Immediate Release: Strategic Partnership with Above the Standard

Alternative Utility Service, Inc., a leading provider of energy management and procurement, today announced a strategic partnership with Above the Standard Procurement Group®, Inc. (Above the Standard), a Global Leader in Profit Maximization and Business Growth...

FOLLOW US
CONTACT

Copyright © 2021 Alternative Utility Services, Inc.

Privacy Policy    Terms of Use