An energy procurement strategy is more than finding a low rate — it's a repeating framework for how your business approaches electricity and gas sourcing. A good strategy defines your risk tolerance, procurement timeline, data requirements, evaluation criteria, and contract management process.
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The Five Elements of a Procurement Strategy
(1) Risk tolerance — how much price volatility can your business absorb? (2) Timeline — when do you start the process relative to expiration? (3) Data — what usage information do you need to procure effectively? (4) Evaluation criteria — how do you compare offers beyond the headline rate? (5) Contract management — who tracks expiration dates and renewal windows?
Matching Strategy to Business Profile
A restaurant with tight margins needs a fixed-rate contract and minimal complexity. A large manufacturer with energy-intensive production may benefit from indexed contracts, demand response participation, and hedging strategies. A multi-site retailer needs portfolio aggregation. The right strategy fits the business, not a generic template.
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Procurement Calendar
The most important strategic element: timing. Start the competitive process 6–9 months before expiration. For multi-site portfolios, stagger expirations to avoid procuring everything in a single market window. For accounts with significant market exposure, monitor forward prices and consider locking in when markets dip.
Fixed vs. Variable: A Strategic Decision, Not a Default
Most commercial accounts default to fixed-rate contracts — reasonable for most situations. Variable or indexed exposure should be a deliberate choice made with full awareness of the downside scenario. We present both options with explicit risk modeling before recommending.
Broker as Strategy Implementation Partner
A broker doesn't replace your procurement strategy — it implements it. You define risk tolerance, budget requirements, and sustainability goals. We run the competitive process, translate offers, manage contracts, and track renewals. The combination delivers professional procurement results without requiring in-house expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a commercial energy broker get paid?
Brokers are compensated by the supplier you choose — a small per-kWh fee built into the contract rate. This fee exists in every supplier's pricing regardless of whether a broker is involved. You pay nothing out of pocket.
How many suppliers will you get quotes from?
We submit to 30+ licensed retail energy suppliers active in your state. Not all will quote every account — load size, credit profile, and industry classification affect who bids. We pull from the full available market.
How long does the process take?
From data collection to competing offers typically takes 3–5 business days. Contract execution takes another 1–2 business days. Service transition happens on your next billing cycle — no interruption.
Is there a contract with the broker?
No. You authorize us to collect your usage data and solicit quotes on your behalf. There's no fee arrangement, no retainer, and no commitment until you choose a supplier offer to execute.
What if I'm currently under contract?
We'll review your existing contract terms, note the expiration window, and initiate a quote process 6–9 months before expiration. If there's an early termination option that makes economic sense, we'll flag it.