Improper Electric Bill Structure
Most of our clients are surprised to learn that they are responsible for making sure they’re paying the most competitive rate for their businesses. The utility company has no responsibility—or financial incentive—to determine the most cost-effective rate for you.
SM Engineering helps businesses understand the rate or rates they’re paying now and decide if it’s in their best interest to request a different rate. Flat rates—those that don’t change no matter how much or how little electricity you use—are appropriate for some businesses. But most customers are better off with a variable rate. Some options include a rate based on the size of your business, a time-of-day rate, and demand control.
Electricity Peak Time Usage
Certain times of year, days of the week, and hours in the day are peak times for electricity use. Electricity companies know this and often charge higher rates for electricity use during these hours. But they also sometimes offer discounts for use in off-peak hours.
Property managers can take advantage of many special rate programs for off-peak usage, qualifying for a lower cost. SM Engineering has experience working with large property management organizations to uncover these and other rate programs that may save them money.
Additional Fees Tagged on the Electrical Bills
Electric bills are full of fees, some negotiable, others not. In Florida, for example, companies can charge for their fuel costs, distribution costs, conservation programs, the cost of providing power to your facility, and a hurricane charge to cover the costs of restoring power after a storm. This does not include five more types of taxes that are also tacked onto Floridian’s electricity bills.
Versions of these fees exist in every state, and it can be confusing to determine which ones are fixed and which ones you may have any control over. This is where SM Engineering can help. Our experts have the knowledge and resources to understand your current electric bill, then find and apply rates and fees that may save you money.
If you feel like you’re paying too much for electricity, schedule a call with SM Engineering. Our no-obligation audit may uncover substantial savings for you and your company.
