Competitive energy markets give business leaders an opportunity to choose a supplier, negotiate rates for electricity and natural gas, and customize a suite of innovative products and services to meet their needs. But nearly 38 percent of industrial and 67 percent of commercial companies still haven’t cashed in on the state’s open energy market because they’re still relying on old buying habits, says Robert D. Gabbard, president of PPL EnergyPlus.
“I firmly believe that an open marketplace creates efficiencies and is superior to a vertically integrated monopoly, because prices have been trending lower since 2008 and the early adopters have been able to reduce their company’s overall energy costs by 5 percent to 10 percent and, in some cases, even more,” says Gabbard.
Smart Business spoke with Gabbard about how businesses can capitalize on Pennsylvania’s open energy market by forming new buying habits.
What major changes have taken place in the Pennsylvania energy market in the last five years?
The creation of an open, competitive energy market in Pennsylvania has spawned industry consolidation and several mergers in recent years. On the one hand, consolidation is advantageous because only the most efficient and financially sound suppliers survive and savvy executives have seized the opportunity to garner additional savings by leveraging their purchasing power.
On the other hand, executives must use due diligence to select a financially sound supplier and choose products and services that support their business model. For example, if your company has implemented a green initiative, select a supplier that offers energy from renewable sources.
Or, if your goal is to drive revenue by signing new customers to long-term agreements, it makes sense to reduce price volatility by negotiating a long-term energy contract.
The bottom line is that there’s no need to settle, as business leaders have the opportunity to select a supplier and a suite of products and services that fit their company’s needs.
What is the most important thing businesses in Pennsylvania should know about the competitive energy market?
Pennsylvania is no longer operating under a monopolistic structure, but you don’t have to take a lot of risk or sign a long-term contract to garner lower rates and better service. Start by making small changes that create new buying habits, such as researching suppliers, requesting quotes and then signing a simple, short-term contract. Once you’re comfortable with your supplier and the bidding process, you’re ready to source additional savings by utilizing demand-side management programs or shifting daily production schedules to capitalize on lower energy rates throughout the day.
You don’t have to predict your future energy needs to receive a low rate, because there are programs for businesses that can’t forecast or that expect a change from their historical usage, and there is even a program that offers price certainty while allowing customers to take advantage of a reduction in wholesale energy prices. Your supplier should offer to conduct an analysis and help you identify ways to lower your total energy costs that exceed a reduction in your basic energy rates.
What trends should businesses be paying attention to in the energy sector?
Unlike the old days, executives need to monitor the underlying commodity prices monthly or quarterly so they can spot opportunities to extend and renew their energy rates and contract terms. If you don’t have time to monitor the wholesale market, select a supplier that will do it for you and contact you when an opportunity arises.
Energy companies competing for business in a competitive, open marketplace foster innovation and technology developments, so be on the lookout for products and services that will help you monitor and control your daily usage and forecast your future needs. Don’t hesitate to suggest a new product from your supplier.
The key is selecting a trusted supplier that is compatible with your company’s culture and business objectives, because Pennsylvania business executives no longer have to settle for the status quo.
What makes PPL EnergyPlus different from other energy suppliers?
We’ve been in Pennsylvania for more 90 years so we understand our customers’ needs and the nuances of each city. At the same time, we offer the security of a multinational Fortune 500 company with a strong balance sheet. Our in-state network of power generation plants creates operating efficiencies by allowing us to deliver energy across very short distances.
But our greatest differentiator is our business model and our commitment to customized service instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach. We consult with business managers and recommend specific ways to use power more efficiently before suggesting a customized slate of products and services
PPL EnergyPlus, LLC is an unregulated subsidiary of PPL Corporation. PPL EnergyPlus is not the same company as PPL Electric Utilities. The prices of PPL EnergyPlus are not regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. You do not have to buy PPL EnergyPlus electricity or other products in order to receive the same quality regulated services from PPL Electric Utilities.
Robert D. Gabbard is the president of PPL EnergyPlus. Reach him at [email protected] or (610) 774-4168.
