Had a potential client yesterday who basically wanted me to find $50K in savings on their Georgia Power account 'no matter what' - even if it meant being creative with demand calculations. When I explained that wouldn't be ethical, they said their previous auditor had no problem with it. Anyone else run into clients who want you to cross ethical lines? How do you handle these situations while still trying to grow your business?
When client asks you to 'massage' the numbers - what's your line?
Rachel you did the right thing walking away. I've been in similar spots with some Atlanta clients who wanted me to dispute legitimate charges just to see what sticks. My rule is simple - if I can't defend it in front of the PSC with a straight face, I won't file it. Word gets around fast in this business and your reputation is everything.
The CUBA code is pretty clear on this stuff. We're supposed to provide honest professional services and avoid conflicts of interest. I always tell clients upfront that I'll find every legitimate savings opportunity but won't manufacture problems that don't exist. Most respect that approach.
Had Duke Energy flag one of my audits last year because another consultant had filed frivolous disputes on the same account. Made my legitimate findings look suspect by association. These cowboy auditors hurt all of us in the long run.
The Memphis market has a few of these problem auditors too. I've started including ethics language in my contracts - basically stating that I'll only pursue legitimate billing errors and rate optimization opportunities. Clients actually seem to appreciate the transparency.
Good point Amir. I might steal that contract language idea. NES has been pretty good about working with ethical auditors but they definitely have a blacklist of the bad actors. Don't want to end up on that list.
You all are making me feel better about turning down that client. Lost the deal but kept my integrity. Alabama Power actually complimented me once on how thorough and honest my audits are - that's worth more than any one client.
LG&E has started requiring auditors to sign an ethics statement before they'll work with us on disputed charges. Shows how seriously the utilities are taking this issue. The few bad apples are forcing everyone to deal with more paperwork.