Energy consulting firms evaluate a business’s energy consumption and suggest ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. They may also oversee the implementation of changes and use a structured fee schedule.
Energy consulting firms are a type of business support services that help businesses evaluate their current energy consumption levels and help determine the true level of energy needs that would allow the business to operate at peak efficiency. In many situations, this type of consulting firm would look closely at not only how various forms of energy are used, but also at ways to modify that use so that it is more convenient and environmentally friendly. To this end, an energy consultancy firm will often employ engineers who can provide insight into how to improve the facilities used by the client so that energy usage is more efficient.
There are several ways that energy consultancy firms can help a business. A baseline service is simply assessing the current level of usage of various forms of energy, including electricity, natural gas, or any other form of alternative energy used to run production lines or other customer-owned facilities. Here, the goal is to help customers understand the true costs associated with using various forms of energy.
From there, energy consulting firms often move on to making suggestions on how to improve the use of various forms of energy. Here, the goal is often to help customers develop more efficient ways of using energy, enabling them to reduce energy costs. For example, a consultant may notice that energy is being spent maintaining lighting in a section of the operation that is rarely busy. Installing sensors that automatically turn the lights on and off as employees enter and leave the space helps to reduce energy consumption and thus reduce the client’s energy costs.
Many energy consultancies employ engineers who can evaluate client-owned structures and make suggestions on changes such as adding insulation in walls and ceilings, upgrading from single-paned to double-paned windows, or replacing outdated equipment heating and cooling systems inadequate for the space. In some situations, this type of company will oversee the implementation of changes for a customer, dealing with details such as selecting suppliers and new equipment, and even obtaining any local approvals that may be required before changes can be made.
In general, energy consulting firms use a structured fee schedule for the types of services they offer. Simple inspections and recommendations for changes are often based on flat rates, while longer-term involvement in the implementation of such changes may require the establishment of a contract. The contract helps define the number of hours that will be charged for the specific effort and activities that the firm undertakes to perform on behalf of the client. While hiring an energy consultant can incur a fair amount of expense on the front end, the cost is often recouped in a short amount of time, based on the difference in energy costs once the company’s work is completed.
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