5 things to look for when choosing a natural gas provider

Choosing the right natural gas provider for your business may be feel daunting and you might have a lot of questions. Here are some considerations to help you make this important decision.

Consider what’s important and weigh your decisions

To ensure you choose the right natural gas supplier to meet your organization’s needs, rank them according to the following categories:

1. Goals and values alignment

Choosing a provider that places importance on the same things as your business can really pay off down the road. Whether it’s helping you adhere to a corporate sustainability initiative by offering green energy solutions, giving back to the communities where your customers live, or simply operating their business transparently, working with a provider who “gets” the things that are important to your business can really make it feel like they’re an extension of your team.

2. Customer service

Having someone you can trust who is available and responsive when you have questions or concerns is everything. Not only that, if they proactively contact you when a market opportunity arises, you can be positioned for future success while you stay focused on your business.

Some providers may only contact you at the end of your contract, and a lot can change from the time you sign on the dotted line. A dedicated account manager can make a positive difference on your energy future over the long term.

3. Quality of solution

The type of product(s) available make help you better equipped to achieve your goals. Are their additional benefits, such as value-ad bundles to help you control costs? Can the product be customized to help you take advantage of time-of-use rules or reduce peak-demand costs? A provider that offers flexible options can create added value in the short and long term.

4. Reliability

Natural gas supply can be a tough and transient business for some providers, due to ever-changing regulations and the unpredictability of the energy market. It is not uncommon, therefore, to see mergers, acquisitions, and other drastic changes in the industry. That’s why experience is particularly valuable.

Providers that have been around for a while have navigated a variety of market conditions successfully and can bring that same expertise to managing your energy needs. They’ve also likely built relationships within the industry that can help maximize your market position.

5. Price

The cost of your natural gas will likely be a driving factor in your provider decision. But there’s a lot more to consider. A quality provider will customize pricing to your facility’s specific usage and needs. Like, does your usage vary significantly by season or time of day due to the specific nature of your business?

Additionally, making sure the contract is completely transparent will illuminate hidden costs. Some providers may include pass-through costs, meaning you could be charged more for extreme weather (like the polar vortex) or unforeseen regulatory changes. So that “low price” could potentially cost you much more in the long run.