Working with a new energy advisor here in Bend and they're asking for login credentials to our Pacific Power online account portal. They claim they need direct access to download usage data and rate information for their analysis. This feels like a security risk to me but they're saying it's standard practice. Is this normal or should I be concerned? We're talking about a $180K annual electric bill so there's real money at stake here.
Energy advisor wants access to our utility portal - red flag?
Duane, I would not give anyone direct access to your utility portal. Here in Ohio working with AEP, legitimate consultants always ask me to download the data and provide it to them. Your login credentials give access to account management functions, payment methods, potentially sensitive business information. Any professional advisor should be able to work with data you provide them directly.
Absolutely a red flag. Portland General Electric has strict security policies about account access and I've never had a legitimate broker request login credentials. They can do their analysis just fine with 12-24 months of bills that you provide. Don't compromise your account security for their convenience. If they push back on this, that tells you everything you need to know about their professionalism.
I agree with Bob and Beatrice. No legitimate reason for them to need direct portal access. Here in Knoxville with TVA, our industrial accounts have very detailed billing data available in PDF format that's perfect for analysis. If they're claiming they need something more than that, they're either lazy or up to something. Protect your account security first, always.
Thanks everyone. I told them I'd provide 24 months of detailed bills in PDF and Excel format but wouldn't share login credentials. They said that would work fine and didn't push back at all. Maybe I was overthinking it but better safe than sorry with account security. Sometimes you need that gut check from other professionals.
Good call Duane. In my experience working with MLGW accounts here in Memphis, the legitimate advisors are actually more comfortable working with data you provide because it eliminates any potential liability issues on their end too. Anyone pushing hard for portal access is either inexperienced or has questionable motives. Trust your instincts on security matters.