When a company hires the services of Energy Tools, an energy consultant is immediately assigned. But what exactly does this consultant do?
In summary, we could say that the consultant is the person who ensures that the company never pays a single extra euro for the energy it consumes. However, behind this statement lies a lot of work that is worth explaining.
Each Energy Tools consultant manages a client portfolio. The number of companies each consultant serves varies, mainly because the scenarios are also different. For example, it is not the same to work with a client with many supply points (CUPS) as with one with a more unified structure. Nor is it the same for a tourism business with very seasonal consumption peaks as for another with a more stable consumption.
This has led us to specialize in the consultants at Energy Tools. Thus, we have consultants who are experts in specific productive sectors. There are specialists in retail, the tourism sector, healthcare, industry… Although each client is different, we have found that energy needs tend to be similar within the same productive sector.
Therefore, consultants are assigned based on their knowledge of the sector in which the client operates, the complexity of the project, and the consultant’s own experience.
Analysis and strategy
UOnce assigned, the consultant begins an analysis process. Initial meetings are held to examine the company’s contracts and energy consumption, its specific needs, corporate economic and sustainability objectives, and the level of risk it wishes to assume, among other aspects.
However, this strategy will not be set in stone. On the contrary, specialists in market and trend analysis, san initial strategy is agreed upon that includes actions in the short, medium, and long term. Since energy procurement is much more complex than it appears, it is crucial for the client to clearly understand their current situation, available options, and how these align with their business and profile. Therefore, it is essential that this strategy is clear and shared.
SHowever, this strategy will not be set in stone. On the contrary the energy market is so volatile and variable that it requires constant and ongoing review of the strategy and any resulting actions. Only in this way can maximum consumption optimization and the lowest possible costs be ensured.
Each client receives an individualized approach from the consultant. In most cases, there is a broad margin for decision-making, and actions may include:
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Negotiating new contracts with retailers under much more favorable conditions.
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Bidding on contracts at the best possible moment, without waiting for them to expire. It is not uncommon for us to sign contracts two or three years in advance because we are clear it is a good time to secure partial coverage.
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Proposing partial coverage according to market trends and the strategy agreed upon with the client.
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Suggesting the contracting of alternative products that can help achieve the client’s strategic objectives. A good example is PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements), long-term energy purchase contracts, usually for renewable energy and for periods ranging from five to fifteen years.
Operative Management
In parallel, the operational and management side is activated, with a focus on the short term. Here, there are two main players: the consultant and Energy Business One (EBO). EBO is software we use to translate energy consumption into real-time financial information. The consultant, with the help of this proprietary platform, works on aspects such as:
- Invoice review
- Optimization of contracted power at the supply point
- Alerts for possible penalties that are not applicable (such as reactive energy or excessive power overage)
- Legal changes affecting the client
- Claims and incident management
- Any other unforeseen situation
SThese are issues that require constant attention. EMany times, for example, we encounter undue payments. That is, we detect items included in invoices that are not applicable or have been calculated incorrectly. And sometimes these are not small amounts.
Therefore, the consultant is the person responsible for reviewing everything related to the company’s energy consumption. In this way, the client can stop worrying and focus exclusively on their business.
Results
The communication between the consultant and the client is ongoing. In addition to informative emails, brief follow-up meetings are held to discuss results and ensure that all needs are covered. In this way, the client can see the level of optimization and the savings achieved compared to their situation before trusting Energy Tools. They observe hhow their energy costs have been optimized to the maximum, without deviating from their strategic sustainability objectives. Moreover, they have avoided a very complex aspect that requires constant and highly specialized dedication.
And one last note… This article explains how we work at Energy Tools. But not all companies do it the same way. Our basic hallmarks are independence and closeness. This means we have no ties to energy retailers, so we strictly defend our clients’ interests. It also means we communicate clearly and transparently to establish a framework of absolute trust.
If you think this type of service could be a good fit for your company, let us know. We will find a way to ensure you don’t pay a single extra euro for the energy you consume.
