Thought I'd share a positive experience for once. Been working with Johnson Energy Advisors on a large manufacturing client here in Huntsville. They actually know Alabama Power's rate schedules inside and out, caught a tariff classification error worth $23,000 annually, and their fee was reasonable at 25% of first year savings. Client is on Schedule LPH and they identified some demand management opportunities I hadn't considered. Anyone else worked with them?
Actually found a decent energy consultant - Alabama Power territory
Albert, that's refreshing to hear. Most consultants I deal with here in Missouri barely understand Ameren's basic rate structures. What kind of demand management did they recommend? I've got a client on a similar manufacturing profile that might benefit.
Elmer, they focused on load shifting during Alabama Power's peak hours (2-7 PM weekdays June-September). Simple stuff really - adjusting some equipment schedules, installing load control on non-critical systems. The client dropped their peak demand from 840 kW to 715 kW average, which saved about $1,400 monthly just in demand charges. Sometimes the obvious solutions are the best ones.
That's solid savings Albert. Down here in Texas with AEP, I see a lot of consultants who focus only on the energy rate and ignore demand optimization completely. Sounds like Johnson Energy actually understands the utility business. Do they work outside Alabama or are they regional only?
I think they're Southeast only but I could be wrong. Albert, did they help with any power factor issues? We see a lot of manufacturing clients in Cincinnati with Duke Energy that have terrible power factor but don't realize the penalty costs. Good consultants should catch that stuff immediately.