Finally landed my first major client and wanted to share the details! A Ford dealership in Des Moines was on MidAmerican Energy's Rate LM-TOD and paying massive demand charges during peak hours. Found they were charging EVs and running the service bay compressors simultaneously during peak periods. Recommended load shifting and got them moved to Rate LM-TOU which saved $180K annually. Client was thrilled and already referred me to two other dealerships. Sometimes everything just clicks!
First big win - $180K savings found at auto dealership
Tom G. - Congrats! I'm also in Des Moines and know that dealership group. They have five locations so you might be looking at a nice expansion opportunity. Auto dealers are great clients once you prove yourself with the first one.
Outstanding work Tom! That's exactly the kind of comprehensive analysis that builds long-term client relationships. The load shifting recommendation shows you're thinking beyond just rate optimization. Make sure you document the implementation process and results - that case study will be gold for future prospects in similar industries.
Awesome results! How did you initially identify the EV charging and compressor timing issue? Was it apparent from the interval data or did you have to do on-site monitoring?
Kevin O. - The interval data showed the demand spikes but I had to visit the site to figure out what was causing them. Spent half a day watching their operations and noticed the pattern. The service manager had no idea when peak periods were and was scheduling heavy equipment use whenever convenient. Simple education fixed 80% of the problem.
This is exactly why I love this business. Most "problems" are just lack of information. Tom did you charge a flat fee or percentage of savings for this project?
Bill G. - I used a hybrid model. Flat fee of $5K for the audit plus 15% of first year savings. Worked out to about $32K total which felt fair for both sides. They were happy because the savings continue every year after my fee period.
Nice work! Auto dealerships are definitely an underserved niche. Most focus on manufacturing but dealers use serious power between the lighting, HVAC for those big showrooms, and now all the EV infrastructure. Going to start targeting some Sacramento dealers based on your success.
Tom this gives me hope. I'm struggling to close my first big client here in Spokane. Did you provide any kind of guarantee or was the potential savings obvious enough that they moved forward on your recommendation alone?
Willa J. - No guarantee needed. The rate tariff comparison was black and white - I showed them exactly how much they would save on their last 12 months of bills if they had been on the TOU rate. Numbers don't lie when you can demonstrate historical savings that clearly.