Case Studies
Find out how Utility Advocates Inc. helps clients better manage their indirect costs and sustainability initiatives.
Forensic Bill Auditing Success Story
Problem:
A manufacturing client asked us to investigate their natural gas invoices and metering equipment.
Result:
Utility Advocates Inc. recovered $120,873 in refunds for the client.
Synopsis:
During our Forensic Bill Auditing process, we discovered that our client had been billed on estimated meter readings for approximately 18 months up until such time that their gas meter was replaced. We initiated an investigation of the natural gas meter that was replaced with Measurement Canada. It turned out that the gas meter was not registering natural gas consumption correctly and was faulty. Our analysis revealed that our client’s present usage was far less than what was estimated by the utility. This resulted in a reduction of 233,718m³. We requested a billing adjustment based on the new revised consumption. Afterwards, the utility corrected their invoices and credited back $120,873 in refunds.
Realize Refunds & Savings Success Story
Problem:
An industrial client was consistently and unknowingly overpaying their electricity bill.
Result:
After 10 months of negotiations and advocacy, the client realized $109,000 in refunds and $22,000 per year in ongoing savings.
Synopsis:
After careful analysis of their usage profile, it was determined that the client was being billed on incorrect delivery and transmission charges. We compared their billed charges to our internal rate database and calculated that the utility charges were overstated. We shared our findings with our client and proceeded to negotiate with the utility provider on their behalf. After 10 months of negotiations with the utility and advocacy with the Ontario Energy Board, our client was reimbursed $109,000 in refunds. Moreover, the client experienced reasonable ongoing savings relative to their overall electricity cost.
Ongoing Monitoring Success Story
Problem:
After we assisted in formulating a cost effective waste services agreement for a long standing food services client, we discovered that they were being overcharged by their waste supplier shortly afterwards.
Result:
Utility Advocates Inc. recovered approximately $4,000 in overcharges covering 3 months for the client.
Synopsis:
Our recommendations to improve specific service rates with the client’s waste supplier yielded $16,000 per year in projected ongoing savings. In addition, we identified areas of improvements in the terms and conditions of the client’s waste service agreement. After implementation of our recommendations, we discovered that the waste supplier’s billed charges did not correspond with the agreed upon contracted rates. We informed our client of the overcharges and requested a refund from the waste supplier due to the billing errors we discovered.
Sustainability Success Story
Problem:
A client in the cold storage business was interested in roof-top solar generation but had no success implementing the solution themselves.
Result:
Utility Advocates Inc. assisted in facilitating a 500KW FIT 1 solar agreement for the client that yielded a 23% per year average leveraged after tax IRR for a guaranteed 20 year payment term with the Ontario Power Authority.
Synopsis:
We were successful in connecting the client with one of our preferred solar vendors. After the roof top assessment and review of the financial model, the client wasn’t going to miss this exciting opportunity. After several months of due diligence, the client entered into a 20 year FIT 1 solar agreement with the solar vendor. As a result, the client will earn significant financial benefit for many years to come and achieve their sustainability goals as well, all with the help of Utility Advocates Inc.
Procurement Services Success Story
Problem:
A property management client hired Utility Advocates Inc. to review their energy costs.
Result:
We saved the client $240,000 per year in natural gas supply costs.
Synopsis:
It became evident through our Forensic Bill Auditing process that the client experienced a 36% increase in their natural gas supply costs as a result of the gas supplier auto renewing their gas contract for a 1 year term. Natural gas represented the largest cost in their overall budget and this surprise increase became concerning to the client. At the time of engaging with Utility Advocates Inc., they were 5 months into the renewal term of their existing contract. We submitted our recommendations based on current market pricing available and alternative supplier offers we obtained for them. The client decided not to renew with the existing supplier and signed with one of our supplier alternatives we recommended. As a result of implementing our recommendation, the client realized $240,000 in natural gas supply cost savings in the upcoming year.