What Can You Expect From an Energy Consultant?

If you’re like most people you’ve never considered talking to an Energy Consultant, hence I hope that this article helps you to understand what you can expect from an Energy Consultant.

As the title implies, you may be surprised that an Energy Consultant is not just for massive Wal-Mart-sized corporations who spend millions and millions of dollars, but that we help businesses of ALL SIZES. In fact, we have helped thousands of small locally owned or family-operated businesses! So, what does an Energy consultant Do?

Have you ever looked at the utility costs required to keep your building heated, cooled, and powered, then almost fainted from the amount on the bill?

If so, you’re not alone. According to recent research, around 90% of business executives want to reduce their energy spending. Yet, identifying areas to save money and cut down on consumption can be easier said than done. After all, as 80% in the same survey agreed, fluctuating energy prices can be difficult to follow and the industry is constantly in a state of flux.

This is where an Energy Consultant comes in.

This professional will work one-on-one with key stakeholders at your company to review current processes, analyze usage metrics and provide recommendations on ways to save both money and the environment at the same time.

Thinking of hiring one for your team? Read on as we share a few unexpected perks of this service.

A Comprehensive Energy Audit

You could be losing heat or cool air and not even realize it. No wonder your bill continues to creep up, even as you turn down the heat or A/C (much to the chagrin of your shivering or sweating employees).

An energy consultant will review your most recent few energy bills to determine the exact amount of power your building is consuming. Armed with that knowledge, he or she will take a deep dive into the numbers to find which areas are more power-hungry than others, down to the specific systems that are draining your resources the most.

You’ll also get a clearer look at which times of the day your office productivity and power usage peak, which could lead to revealing answers. You may expect systems to be maxed out at around 9:00 a.m. when all employees are gearing up for the day, but what about that 4:30 p.m. rush to get assignments out the door? Identifying these periods of productivity is key to setting parameters around system use and downtime.

An Actionable Energy Plan for Moving Forward

All of this detailed data is helpful and certainly eye-opening, but it’s not always actionable to someone who isn’t sure what to do with it. To this end, your energy consultant’s next step will be to create a comprehensive plan for your company moving forward.

You’ll learn simple strategies to help reduce your power usage, along with tips on how to cut back on energy waste, improve energy efficiency and offset major energy expenses. Those company cars you’ve issued? Consider the energy you’d save if they were hybrid models instead. The same goes for outdated, energy-draining appliances and office systems. Investing in newer-model versions can mean less drain on your outlets and pocketbook alike.

Insider Suggestions on Future-Focused Installations

You’ve heard of the benefits of going solar, but speaking about the possibility to an industry professional can be invaluable. Your consultant will be well-versed in renewable energy solutions including solar, wind, and hydropower, and can speak clearly to how these systems can integrate with and benefit your existing operations.

You’ll also be privy to in-depth information on savings programs including renewable energy credits such as the Solar Investment Tax Credit. In this case, the more you know, the more you save.

Federal Tax Credit: How Much Will You Get Back? (2021)

A lot of people don’t totally understand how the tax credit works or are left hanging when it’s finally time to claim it.

As the 2021 tax season approaches, it’s important for you to know how to claim my solar investment tax credit. To help you, above I’ve linked to a guide that can help facilitate this by laying out the correct form you need to fill out to receive it, as well as answering other questions you may have on the solar tax credit process.

Partnering with the Right Energy Consultant

Now that you know the perks of working directly with an energy consultant, it’s time to find one for your business. Yet, vetting your options and sorting through all the research can be time-consuming, and judging by that ever-growing pile of emails, you’re busy enough.

That’s where we come in.

We offer consulting services designed to support your entire supply chain. We’ll look at your current internal needs, then work with you to take a long-term approach to reduce your energy consumption in tangible ways that support, rather than take away from, your current operations.

Contact us today to get started and let’s take that first step together.