Energy bills are a significant expense for businesses in the service and industrial sectors, as well as for local authorities. To reduce these operating costs, it's possible to use a professional energy broker. However, how do you choose the right provider? Powesco explains!
Why choose an energy broker when you are a professional?
Controlling energy expenditure in businesses and communities addresses several challenges.
Financial stakes
Energy brokers help businesses reduce their electricity, natural gas, or heating oil bills . This is a valuable tool for energy-intensive companies such as manufacturers. Their equipment (ovens, cold storage rooms) requires significant energy consumption, which is reflected in their final bill. By signing a cheaper energy contract, manufacturers can improve their competitiveness in the market.
Regulatory issues
Furthermore, using an energy broker ensures compliance with current regulations. Indeed, brokers possess in-depth knowledge of the energy market and the obligations incumbent upon professionals. They can inform their clients about their responsibilities regarding energy consumption reduction and help them achieve their objectives. For example, they can explain the French Tertiary Sector Decree and propose solutions to achieve energy savings within the given timeframe.
Employer branding challenges
Finally, energy brokers for businesses support companies in their energy transition. They can recommend subscribing to arenewable energy (green electricity, biomethane, etc.) or installing photovoltaic panels on the building's roof to reduce its carbon footprint. This can improve the company's or organization's brand image and attract new customers and employees!
When should you use an electricity and gas broker?
You can work with an energy broker at any time:
- if you are no longer satisfied with the terms of your current energy contract or it is coming to an end but you do not wish to renew it;
- if you are moving to new premises;
- If your business is growing : purchase of new equipment which requires subscribing to a contract with a higher power rating, for example.
What services does an energy broker offer to professionals?
The services offered by professional energy brokers vary.
However, the following services are often found:
- analysis of your current situation: consumption, contract;
- comparison of offers available on the market;
- negotiation of conditions with the supplier;
- presentation of the offer best suited to your situation;
- subscribing to the offer and cancelling your old contract;
- monitoring of your contract.
A professional energy broker is a business introducer. They act as a liaison between the company and the energy supplier and are paid on commission.
Energy contract
The core business of a professional energy broker is purchasing and supplying energy on behalf of their clients. Companies that use an energy broker aim to optimize their energy contracts, meaning they want to reduce their energy bills. This is where the broker comes in: they find the cheapest electricity or natural gas offer on the market, one that is also best suited to their client's specific situation. Once the contract is signed, the broker provides ongoing support, such as reminders about contract renewal dates or suggestions for more attractive offers identified through their market research.
Source of energy
In addition, many energy brokers help their clients to adopt more virtuous energy consumption: by offering them the option of subscribing to a green electricity or biomethane contract, certified by guarantees of origin.
To go even further, some energy specialists like Powesco offer their clients the option of producing their own renewable energy on-site: , by installing photovoltaic panels that power electric vehicle charging stations . This allows them to consume some of the energy produced by their building rather than purchasing it from a supplier, thus saving money on energy costs.
Tax optimization
Finally, the third key mission of an energy broker for businesses is to optimize energy bills. More specifically, tax optimization. Indeed, taxes ( excise duties on electricity and natural gas) represent approximately 30% of a business's electricity and gas bill. Furthermore, the TURPE ( electricity transmission tariff) and the ATRD (gas transmission tariff) constitute about a third of the energy budget. However, some businesses may be exempt from these expenses. The energy broker verifies the company's eligibility for partial or total exemption from these charges and prepares an application with the supplier to ensure their client benefits from these exemptions.
Who can benefit from a professional energy broker?
All professionals can use an energy broker, regardless of their size or core business:
- tertiary sector : subscription to an electricity contract adapted to the use of IT equipment (computers, screens), heating and air conditioning (HVAC) of the premises;
- industries : securing supplies to limit the increase in production costs linked to the use of energy-intensive machines (thermoforming in plastics processing for example);
- health sector ;
What are the criteria for choosing a professional energy broker?
There are many energy brokers for professionals on the market. Here are three criteria to help you make the right choice.
Expertise
A professional energy broker must have in -depth knowledge of the energy market, its operation, and its evolution. They are able to find the most suitable energy contract for their client from among the multitude of available offers.
Partnerships
To offer the best energy contract to their clients, energy brokers need an excellent network of energy supplier partners. Indeed, it is through their negotiation skills that they can secure attractive pricing.
Proximity
Finally, the energy broker must remain available to their client should the need arise, whether it concerns a billing issue or the emergence of new requirements. A quality service provider is distinguished by their customer service orientation and responsiveness in client relations.
Powesco: more than just an energy broker for professionals
Powesco offers a quality energy brokerage service, designed to help professionals reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.
To go even further in reducing energy consumption, we offer a range of complementary services :
- Energy audit by our in-house design office to analyze your current situation and recommend the best solutions
- Carrying out energy efficiency work tailored to your needs: relamping, BMS…
- monitoring of post-construction energy savings through an Energy Management System (EMS)
Contact us for a quote !
