What's everyone's preference for final deliverables? I've been doing comprehensive written reports but lately clients seem to want PowerPoint summaries instead. Are we moving away from detailed documentation? Seems risky for liability purposes.
PowerPoint vs detailed written reports?
Ray, I do both - executive PowerPoint for presentations and detailed report for documentation. Can't skip the written backup, especially if they're filing refund claims with Georgia Power or other utilities that want supporting detail.
Iris is right about needing both. PowerPoint for the meeting, detailed report for the file. I've seen too many refund claims rejected because clients didn't have proper documentation. The written report protects everyone.
The problem with PowerPoint-only is you lose the technical backup. When Xcel Energy pushes back on a refund claim, they want to see calculations, tariff references, billing history analysis - not bullet points. Keep doing the detailed reports.
I've started doing modular reports - executive summary that can standalone as PowerPoint, then detailed appendices for each finding. Gives flexibility for different audiences while maintaining documentation integrity.
Andre that's smart. I might steal that approach. What sections do you typically put in the appendices? Billing analysis worksheets, tariff excerpts, correspondence with utilities?
Roy - exactly those plus calculation worksheets, historical usage charts, and copies of any utility responses. Basically everything that supports the executive summary conclusions. Takes more time upfront but saves hours later when questions come up.