Feeling frustrated here. Did an audit for a retail chain in Texas with CenterPoint. Projected $28,000 annual savings from rate schedule change and power factor correction. Six months later they're saying actual savings are only about $18,000. How do you handle situations where your projections don't match reality?
Client says our savings projections were too aggressive
This happens more than people admit. Did you account for seasonal variations? Summer peaks in Texas can throw off annual projections if you're working from limited data.
Also check if they actually implemented all recommendations. Power factor correction equipment sometimes gets delayed or installed incorrectly. The rate schedule change should be immediate though.
I always put disclaimers in my reports now. "Savings projections based on historical usage patterns and current rate structures, subject to operational changes and utility rate adjustments." Covers you legally.
Had similar issue with Westar in Kansas. Turned out the client changed their operating schedule after the audit but didn't tell me. Always important to follow up and see what actually changed.
Good points all. Going to schedule a follow-up site visit to see what's really happening with their demand patterns and PF equipment.
This is why I recommend conservative projections and quarterly follow-ups for the first year. Better to under-promise and over-deliver than deal with disappointed clients who question your credibility.