I've got a weird situation here in Memphis with an MLGW commercial account. The business owner wants me to structure my report so his wife (who handles the books) doesn't see the $8,400 in savings I found on their demand charges. He wants to pocket the money without telling her. This feels sketchy - what's the CUBA guidance on this? I'm supposed to represent the account holder but this seems like fraud territory.
Client wants me to hide savings from spouse - ethical?
Reggie, you need to walk away from this one. The CUBA code is clear - we represent the account holder's interests, not their personal schemes. If there's a legal dispute over who controls the business finances, that's between them and their lawyers. Document everything and decline to modify your report. Georgia Power clients have tried similar stunts with me - never ends well.
Derek's right. I had a Knoxville client try to get me to hide savings from a business partner once. Told him my report reflects what I found, period. If he wants to handle the money distribution differently, that's his business decision after receiving accurate information. Our job is truth in billing analysis, not creative accounting.
This is textbook conflict of interest territory. Connecticut has strict rules about this stuff. Your client relationship is with the business entity, not individual family dynamics. Present your findings accurately and let them sort out the rest. If you start manipulating reports for personal agendas, you're asking for trouble down the road.
I'd also be concerned about liability here. If the wife finds out later and there's a divorce proceeding, you could get dragged into depositions about hiding assets. Phoenix has plenty of messy divorce attorneys who would love that kind of discovery. Stick to your professional standards and sleep better at night.
Had NV Energy client try something similar last year. The moment they ask you to hide findings, that's your red flag to document the request and politely decline. I told mine I'd be happy to provide a technical explanation of the savings to both parties, but my report stays factual. They backed down pretty quick.
Thanks everyone. You're all right - I was feeling uncomfortable for good reason. I told him this morning that my report shows what I found, no modifications. If there are business decisions about how to handle the savings, that happens after my work is done. He wasn't happy but he accepted it. MLGW savings stay in the report as documented.
Good call, Reggie. That's exactly how these situations should be handled. Professional integrity isn't negotiable, even when clients push back. You did the right thing.