REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

We prepare a request for proposal (RFP) that defines the terms and conditions of any offer, then institute and manage the energy bid process from start to finish.

Then, we perform an independent, unbiased economic analysis of all responses.

Economic analysis to include all applicable costs:

• For electric supply:
  • Electric energy supply cost, utility distribution costs, and all transmission related costs (such as transmission, capacity, losses, ancillaries, ARP, MLLC, and RPS)
• For natural gas supply:
  • Natural gas supply cost, utility costs including standby demand charges, and estimates of basis costs
  • Supplier contracts are closely analyzed and all language that impacts the economic analysis is incorporated in the analysis

Reviewing process includes:

• Review and negotiate contract language for all suppliers
• Prepare a report to include the RFP results and comprehensive contract review
• Review the RFP report results together and discuss the best option for your facility
• Track constantly evolving regulatory and legislative issues

Invoice Audits:

Electric invoice audits:

Verify bill is being calculated according to contract terms and conditions and calculations are correct 

Meter-by-meter usage review (kW and kWh) for data accuracy

Graphs showing monthly determinants:

• Maximum demand (kW)
• Total energy (kWh)
• Load factor
• Average cost per kWh
• Load factor analysis for each meter to determine if readings are within tolerance levels
• Exception reporting of any noted inaccuracies in data or billings, down to the meter level

Natural gas invoice audits:

Verify bill is being calculated according to contract terms and conditions and all calculations are correct

Exception reporting of any noted inaccuracies in data or billings

METERING SYSTEMS

The metering systems for many commercial office buildings in Chicago have utilized subtractive and sub-meters for decades. These were required because of the way that high-rise buildings were constructed and the way electric rates were administered under the ComEd rates such as rate 6L and rider 25 – electric space heating. With the onset of electric deregulation, the historic meter relationships under these rates no longer apply in many cases.

In other instances, the subtractive meter relationships have been lost or altered over time, resulting in incorrect bills for the owner and/or the tenant. virtually every commercial building would benefit from a detailed meter analysis that would clearly lay out the current metering diagram as well as the optimum metering plan for the electric rate structure of today and in the future.

An accurate electric system diagram is critical for:

• Emergency planning and emergency situations
• Planning for tenant build-outs or other building changes
• Maintenance of the electric system
• Expediting service with the electric utility. By identifying the exact location of electric problems, or new meter locations, service can be completed more quickly and with less disruption
• Minimizing costs

A comprehensive plan would include:

• A diagram of the building electric riser(s) and transformer locations, including primary and secondary voltages, and electric meter locations
• Electric meters would be identified by number, tenant or building end-use.
• The diagram would tie the ComEd electrical system to your building’s electrical system, showing a complete overall picture
• Analysis of the building electric metering to identify any redundant meters due to changes in the electric rates, such as moving to a retail electric supplier
• Identification of double-billing situations due to errors in subtraction of appropriate meters
• Identification of redundant meters for removal (due to leaving ComEd rates)
• Production of a final document that identifies the completed, updated riser diagram and corresponding spreadsheets

monthly costs

Develop estimated monthly electric costs for a client’s applicable budget year. Budget estimates to be based on the current energy contract billing determinants for the client, available historical energy usage, and estimates of future energy market prices, if needed.

Budgets to include all applicable costs, taxes and rentals to provide a comprehensive budget estimate.

energy planning

There are only two ways to control your energy costs:

• One is to buy the energy commodity at the lowest available price with the most desirable contract terms.
• The second is to reduce the amount of energy you consume.

As certified Energy Star partners, we can assess your current energy consumption and help you develop a plan to optimize the way you use energy.

ENERGY HOUND

A one-page, easy-to-read graphical “snapshot” of the energy consumption readings of all meters on a single account. We call it the "Energy Hound."