Why Utility Bills Are More Complex Than They Appear
Utility billing might seem straightforward, but it's actually one of the most error-prone expense categories businesses encounter. Between complex rate structures, regulatory changes, and meter reading issues, there are countless ways for costs to creep up without anyone noticing.
Here's what we typically find.
Meter Reading
Errors
From human mistakes or system glitches that can inflate your bills by hundreds or thousands per month.
Wrong Rate Classifications
Where you're paying higher rates than you should qualify for.
Billing for Meters You Don't Own
Especially common for multi-location businesses.
Missed Tax Exemptions
That you qualify for but aren't receiving.
Unauthorized
Late Fees
From unusual billing cycles or payment processing delays.
Rate Structure Mismatches
Where your usage patterns don't align with your current rate plan.
3 Ways We'll Cut Your Utilities Costs
Utility Companies Aren't Motivated to Catch Mistakes on Your Behalf. That's Our Job.
Comprehensive Utility Audit
We conduct a thorough line-by-line review of your utility bills across all locations and service types - electric, gas, water, sewer. Our goal is to verify that every charge is correct, every rate classification is optimal, and every fee is legitimate. We often find overcharges going back 24+ months that can be recovered.
What you get: Recovery of historical overcharges plus identification of ongoing billing issues that are costing you money every month.
Rate Structure Optimization
Most businesses are on whatever rate structure they were originally assigned, which may not be optimal for their current usage patterns. We analyze your consumption data against available rate options and exemptions to find the most cost-effective structure for your actual needs.
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What you get: Lower ongoing rates that match how you actually use utilities, plus application for any tax exemptions you qualify for but aren't receiving.
Consumption Analysis & Guidance
Beyond billing errors and rate improvements, we look at your usage patterns to identify operational ways to reduce costs.
What you get: Specific recommendations for reducing costs.
How We'll Uncover Your
Utility Savings
Step 1 /
Bill Collection & Analysis
We'll gather your utility bills across all locations and service types for the past 12-24 months. This includes electric, gas, water, sewer, and any other utility services. We then conduct a comprehensive audit to identify billing errors, rate optimization opportunities, and potential overcharges.
What you provide: Utility bills, account information, and access to utility company portals when possible.
Step 2 /
Present Findings & Options
We'll walk you through exactly what we found - billing errors, rate optimization opportunities, potential recoveries - and explain your options in plain English. You'll get a clear picture of both one-time recoveries and ongoing savings potential.
Timeline: Initial analysis typically takes 2-3 months with minimal time required from your team.
Step 3 /
Recovery & Implementation
We handle the recovery process for historical overcharges and implement rate optimizations for ongoing savings. This includes working directly with utility companies to process refunds and rate changes while keeping you informed throughout the process.
Timeline: Recovery timelines vary by utility company, but most are resolved within 2-4 months. Ongoing savings begin as soon as rate changes take effect.
Utilities Savings Without the Runaround
School District Recovers
Two Years of Overcharges
PCR engaged with a school district to conduct a comprehensive analysis of their garbage expenditures. A key finding from our review was the presence of a specific fee within the district's rate schedule from which schools are typically exempt by regulatory provisions. Subsequent to our intervention and negotiation with the service provider, the rate schedule was revised, culminating in a demonstrable 10% reduction in the district's garbage costs.
Ready to Recover Your Hidden Utility Overcharges?
Most businesses never think to question their utility bills. They just pay them and move on. But when you're potentially sitting on thousands of dollars in recoverable overcharges and ongoing savings, that's money being left on the table every month.
We'll dig into your utility spend at no cost and show you exactly what you can recover and save. No upfront costs, no risk - you only pay when we deliver actual recoveries and savings.
Questions? Email Melanie at
info@pcr-consulting.com.