My CUBA certification is up for renewal and they've raised the fees again to $750 plus continuing education requirements. With Xcel Energy and other Colorado utilities, I'm seeing more preference for certified auditors, but wondering if the investment is still worth it. Anyone have thoughts on whether certification actually helps win business these days?
CUBA recertification requirements - worth the cost?
Scott, I renewed mine last year and it's definitely helped with larger commercial accounts. Wisconsin utilities seem to take certified auditors more seriously, especially for complex rate schedules. The CE requirements are actually useful - learned about new demand response programs that helped me find an extra $12K for a client. I'd say it's worth it if you're doing this full time.
Georgia Power actually requires CUBA certification for their preferred auditor program now. That alone has brought me probably $30K in additional business this year. The networking at the annual conference is valuable too. Yeah the fees have gone up but so has the credibility it provides with both utilities and clients.
I let mine lapse two years ago and honestly haven't noticed much difference here in Ohio. Most of my AEP and FirstEnergy clients care more about results than certificates. That said, I'm probably missing out on some bigger opportunities. The insurance discount alone saves me about $200 annually, so the net cost isn't as bad as it seems.
The continuing education requirement actually saved my butt last year. Learned about new California solar net metering rules that helped me catch a $23K billing error for a client with PG&E. Without that CE course, I would have missed it completely. Sometimes the certification pays for itself in just one audit.
I think it depends on your market. Here in Oregon, Pacific Power definitely gives preference to certified auditors for their large commercial accounts. Plus the liability protection and professional standards give me confidence when dealing with complex tariff disputes. Worth every penny in my opinion, even with the higher fees.