1. Who actually will be doing the work?

Sure, they might tell you how great they are, but who actually will be involved in working on your accounts? Do you really want somebody learning on the job at your expense? Oftentimes in an effort to cut costs the work will be assigned to more entry level data clerks.

2. How long will the work take?

Obviously you want the work in a timely manner and not have to wait forever. At the same time, fast doesn’t necessarily mean better. If the prospective auditing company is telling you they can have the job done in a few weeks, look elsewhere. What they’re usually doing is just looking at the most obvious mistakes (with the work probably going to the B team) and moving quickly on to the next project. To do the job right takes months. It isn’t making fast food.

3. What other services does the company provide?

Do they also install energy efficiency equipment? If so, that’s where they’re going to make their real money. They’ll spend as little time as possible on the bill auditing waiting for their pay-off on equipment.

4. What utilities are analyzed?

Some companies only review gas and electricity. However, water and sewer rates are rising dramatically in many parts of the US, and you want these reviewed as well. If you have properties in California, you also want direct assessments covered as they are not subject to the annual 2% caps that are under Prop 13.

5. Is the company a bill paying service or a true auditing company?

Some companies act primarily as a bill paying service and include the bill auditing as part of the package. Let’s be realistic, how much of an incentive is there for them to take what can be months to properly analyze your bills? They’re making money regardless on the bill paying service. That’s their core business.

6. What is the reporting process?

You want to ask how often reports are provided detailing savings. Ask what is included in the reports. It’s important that everything is documented properly.

7. How well do they listen to you?

Do you feel like you are talking to a robot or somebody who is actively engaged in listening to you?  When you ask a question, are they just giving you perfunctory canned answers? While this rule can be applied for any perspective business, this is especially true when evaluating a utility bill auditing company.  Remember: you are hiring someone to represent you with your utility companies. You can’t afford anything less than the best.