Technological advances, at least the kind that find their way into your home or place of business, are rare in the world of commercial electricity. Power plants and energy generation are undergoing upgrades and advances routinely, but a power outlet today looks more or less like a power outlet looked 30 years ago. What you plug into it may have changed dramatically, but the way you receive business electricity hasn’t.

With one notable exception—smart meters. Smart meters “record power-usage data almost instantly, enabling utilities to respond faster to outages and also helping consumers track their own electricity habits and save money,” (from The Texas Tribune). The idea of smart meter technology was a true breakthrough for business electricity end users—customers like you—and looked quite promising. After all, when does saving money not sound like a good idea?

However, there is some backlash right now in Texas (where more than 90% of the meters are considered “smart”), and in other deregulated states. The biggest issue is money. Changing out all those traditional meter in Texas has already cost more than $2.5 billion, according to an article recently published by The Texas Tribune. What’s more, most of the money-saving rate plans that were promised simply have not come to be.

It’s worth noting, too, that the degree to which a commercial electricity customer could truly take advantage of smart metering technology may be limited. While the meter can read usage in real time, making it cheaper to use power during non-peak hours, most businesses simply cannot curb their electricity usage in the middle of the day and somehow make up for it during the night or early morning hours.

But while many, both residential and business electricity consumers, are questioning the value of smart meters, there are things a business owner can do to lower energy costs. At the most basic level, that process starts with analyzing your usage and needs, and then examining your rate plan. No, you may not be able to reduce energy usage in the middle of the day, but you may be able to find a product, rate and contract that will better suit the way you use your power. Commercial electricity can be packaged and sold in dozens of different ways, and the possibility exists that there are real dollars you could save by making some adjustments to your energy plan.

The key is knowing what to look for and knowing what options will serve you best. That’s where Live Energy can help. We are a commercial electricity brokerage firm. We work with businesses of all shapes and sizes in an effort to help them lower their power costs, and we pride ourselves on doing that in a way that keeps you in the driver’s seat. No confusing jargon or insider language. We will discuss your options with you and make recommendations you can understand, allowing you to make the decisions for your organization with the very best possible information at your fingertips.

Everyone is interesting in lowering costs. We can help you find a business electricity plan that puts money back in your pocket. Please call us today at 888-341-9155 to learn more about how we can help.