01 / THE BASICSSupply and delivery: two different jobs
An energy offer should identify exactly what is being priced. Review supply charges separately from utility delivery charges, taxes, and other fees. Ask who handles billing and service issues under the proposed arrangement.
02 / THE BASICSFixed and variable: read the whole product
A fixed supply rate applies to the components and period stated in the contract. Check for pass-through charges, volume limits, and other adjustments. For variable or indexed products, ask which index, fees, and reset rules apply.
03 / THE BASICSWholesale headlines and customer quotes
A national benchmark is context. The customer offer also reflects location, load pattern, start date, term, supplier conditions, and product structure. Compare quotes with matching assumptions and record when each expires.
04 / THE BASICSNatural gas: storage, weather, and location
Read a storage release with its reporting week, units, regional figures, and comparison period. Weather outlooks have issue dates and forecast windows. Neither one, by itself, establishes a customer’s next rate.
05 / THE BASICSOil: ask for a complete delivered offer
Confirm the exact product and grade, quantity and units, delivery address, timing, access requirements, and included fees. Record minimum deliveries and any conditions that could change the final price.
06 / THE BASICSA stronger first request
Collect recent bills or usage data, meter and account identifiers, service addresses, current contract end dates, desired start date, preferred term, and authorized contact details. Use the private workspace for customer documents.