Before we ask if your energy consultant is transparent, it’s important for us to define what we believe to be a successful consultant. Your businesses energy broker should be fully committed to finding the best deals and prices for your energy. In order to be fully transparent with you, you should be allowed to see the broken down costs of the service; including any commission the consultant will be paid. At The Energy Network, we cater to every business individually to provide the most cost effective energy solution.
What should I ask my energy consultant?
Why does my business need an energy consultant?
Any large organisation, spending over £5,000 a year on energy, is recommended to use an energy consultant. With the markets deregulated energy is traded like stocks and shares. There is just as much price volatility each day as on the stock markets. Global influences on prices can make a massive impact. Unless you have dedicated resource to be constantly monitoring the energy markets, you will never know when the best time or best strategy is. Using a consultant will ensure you’re paying the lowest possible price.
Are your prices broken down?
All quotations and bills should clearly identify the cost components included. There are environmental changes which include the Renewables Obligation (RO) and Feed in Tariff (FiT), which places the responsibility on energy suppliers in the UK to source an ever increasing amount of electricity from renewable sources. Some suppliers do not include all cost components in the unit rates and you could find you are separately invoiced for some charges. If comparing prices, is it on an apples for apples basis. You should also be informed of key factors of your contract; any add on charges, whether your contract is fixed or flexible, and the price you’re paying your energy consultant.
Is your service free?
The answer to this, should be no. Purchasing business energy is a complex job, meaning there will always be fees behind the service. If a company is claiming their services are free, you can bet their fees will be hidden within the price you’re paying; which undermines the trust you should feel when dealing with your consultant. The energy payments you are making- whether annually, quarterly or monthly- should be completely transparent so you’re aware of what you’re paying, and why.
What level of service can I expect from you on a regular basis?
When working with an energy company, the last thing you want is to be sat on the phone for hours in an attempt to reach the same person who helped you last time. Your consultant should manage their own clients, and be their clients’ regular point of contact. They should also be touching base with you on a semi-regular basis to ensure you’re happy with the prices you’re paying and the level of service you’re receiving; not just ringing your business once a year when they need your approval to procure your energy for another year.
Is my consultant giving me independent advice?
A TPI is a Third Party Intermediary code of practice for small to medium sized businesses. It works to set a benchmark for responsible, high quality TPI’s working on behalf of these companies; negotiating the best prices from the supplies on their behalf. Not all TPIs within the energy sector work for the good of the customer; some have long standing relationships with preferred suppliers, and so push clients to sign contracts with them instead of shopping around for the best price. Each business, when they employ an energy consultant, has different requirements, and so each client should be treated individually, not just pushed into generic contracts with the consultants preferred supplier.
How are The Energy Network different?
We believe that, whilst energy procurement is a difficult process and knowing when and how to buy energy seems an impossible task, all of our customers should understand the process. Our transparent ways of working mean that we can work with you to provide the most cost effective energy solution for your company. We have dedicated consultants with high levels of experience within the industry, who are keen to provide the highest level of service and cut the costs of your energy.
We also provide our customers with access to Market Watch, a system which gives up to date energy prices, to show what you’re paying compared to the market prices.
If you’re working with an energy consultant who is not being completely transparent, or you believe you’re spending too much money on your electricity, the team at The Energy Network would love to help; so get in touch!