FAQ's

Using a local energy consultant allows any company to focus on running its core operations. Energy consultants extensively research market trends and indexes to find the best deal. Like stock or bond markets, the deregulated energy markets undergo price changes regularly. At Symbio Energy Partners, our team monitors the wholesale markets to ensure our clients receive the most cost-efficient energy solutions.

Not all retail energy suppliers are the same. Each supplier has their own product offerings and price points. This is why companies need to ask the right questions in order to better evaluate which option will work best for their business. Symbio Energy Partners offers our clients a comparison of each supplier’s pricing. This gives our clients the knowledge they need to understand the terms of the supplier contracts, and ensures that there are no unforeseen surprises down the road.

Small energy suppliers are not inherently less reliable, but they may face challenges that larger suppliers are better equipped to handle, such as financial stability and market fluctuations. To mitigate potential risks associated with small energy suppliers, we can take several steps:

1. Due Diligence: Conduct thorough research on the financial health, business model, and customer service record of suppliers. 

2. Diversification: Advise clients to shop multiple suppliers, including a mix of large and small companies to fully understand differences in product and service.

3. Contract Terms: Negotiate contract terms that provide flexibility and protection for clients, such as clauses that allow for easy termination or switching if the supplier fails to meet specific standards or goes out of business.

4. Monitoring: Regularly monitor the performance and financial health of small suppliers and be proactive in addressing any signs of trouble. This can include monitoring market trends, regulatory changes, and any public announcements from the suppliers.

5. Backup Plans: Develop contingency plans for clients if a small supplier fails to deliver. This can include identifying alternative suppliers and understanding the process for switching suppliers quickly.

6. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that small suppliers comply with all relevant regulations and industry standards, which can indicate their reliability and commitment to quality service.

Symbio Energy Partners provides energy management solutions. Our goal is to analyze and monitor the energy supplier markets in order to provide maximum value to our clients. Our team receives a flat-rate commission from the retail energy suppliers. This amount is the same across the board, which gives us the ability to provide the best energy option for you, the consumer.

Absolutely! Consumers can directly request quotes from retail suppliers. However, it can be challenging combing through the various energy options and contract terms offered by each supplier. Oftentimes, consumers do not know what to look for or what questions to ask in terms of pricing and contract terms. The team at Symbio Energy Partners are constantly monitoring the energy market and comparing the price and product offerings of our suppliers. We know that your time is valuable. This is why we partner with you to find the energy solutions that work best for your business and your bottom line.

In deregulated energy markets, the fees for switching energy providers can vary. Typically, there are no fees imposed by the new provider for making the switch. However, your current contract might have terms that include an early termination fee if you switch before your contract ends. It's important to review your current energy contract and understand any potential fees or penalties before making a decision to switch providers. Always ask your new provider about any fees associated with the switch to avoid any unexpected costs.

When switching energy providers, you can expect the following changes:

1. Billing: You'll receive energy bills from your new provider, and the billing cycle or payment due dates may change.

2. Rates: Your energy rates will change to those offered by your new provider, which could lead to cost savings on your energy bills.

3. Customer Service: You'll interact with a new customer service team for any queries or issues related to your energy supply.

4. Contract Terms: The terms and conditions of your energy supply, including contract length, early termination fees, and renewable energy options, will be based on your new provider's offerings.

5. No Interruptions: There should be no interruption to your energy supply during the switch. The physical delivery of electricity or gas to your home remains unchanged, as your local utility company still manages it.

6. Renewable Options: If you're switching to a provider that offers renewable energy plans, you may see changes in how your energy is sourced, which can be a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Remember to review the terms of your new contract carefully and understand any potential fees or charges associated with switching providers.

If the power goes out, it's important to follow these steps:

1. Check Your Breakers: Sometimes, the issue might be a tripped circuit breaker in your home. Check your breaker panel and reset any tripped breakers.

2. Check with Neighbors: See if your neighbors are also experiencing a power outage. This can help determine if the issue is isolated to your home or is a wider outage.

3. Report the Outage: Contact your local utility company to report the power outage. They are responsible for the distribution and maintenance of the electrical grid, regardless of your energy provider.

4. Stay Informed: Many utility companies offer outage maps and updates on their websites or through customer service lines. Stay informed about the status of the outage and estimated restoration times.

5. Stay Safe: Avoid downed power lines and keep a safe distance. Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures for as long as possible.

6. Prepare an Emergency Kit: It's a good idea to have an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable food items.

7. Be Patient: Utility crews will work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. In the meantime, follow any instructions or updates provided by your utility company.

Remember that power outages can be caused by various factors such as severe weather, equipment failure, or maintenance work on the electrical grid. Your energy provider is responsible for electricity supply, but your local utility company handles the distribution and maintenance of the electrical grid.

Deregulated markets refer to industries or sectors where government regulations have been reduced or eliminated to allow for increased competition. In the context of energy markets, deregulation means that consumers have the ability to choose their electricity or natural gas supplier from a variety of competing companies, rather than being limited to a single utility provider.