How to choose a utility bill auditor: five questions to ask

1. What exactly will you examine?

Each account should be tested against the utility's published rules: rate class, tariff application, meter readings and multipliers, demand, riders and corporate classification. Ask whether every account is reviewed or only a sample, and who does the tariff work.

2. How far back will you look?

Separate the history needed to understand an account from the period that can actually be recovered, which each state and utility sets. An assessment can start with one bill; about 12 months shows seasonal patterns. Ask how the auditor follows a finding through to a confirmed credit.

3. When and how are you paid?

Contingency, fixed-fee and retainer models all exist. Whatever the model, read how the savings baseline is set and how it adjusts when usage, rates or operations change. Compare the models.

4. What documented results can you show?

Ask for examples that separate refunds, credits, recurring savings and estimates, with the error that produced each. Ask what you will receive at the end: a findings report, claim files, utility correspondence.

5. How will we work together?

The auditor should handle utility communication; you provide bills, account data and authorizations, and approve each refund request and account change. Ask how the auditor coordinates with your energy manager, broker or bill-pay vendor.

How Discovery answers these

• Every account, electric and natural gas, tested against its tariff; software checks the math and specialists validate findings.
• No upfront fee. Paid from qualifying refunds, credits or realized savings, usually 15% to 50%.
• Findings presented in a meeting with a written report; you approve every claim.
• Ongoing engagements review bills at least monthly.
• Published results with exact amounts: see the case studies.