| reports that "high fuel costs are the number one | | | | for about $1.40 to $1.50 a therm. Therms are the |
| concern reported by CFOs." Yet in spite of this, few | | | | basic unit of measurement for natural gas. A few |
| have taken steps.In a survey conducted by OPEN, | | | | weeks ago you could have locked in a price of $1 a |
| the small-business unit of American Express, | | | | therm. Smart move if you didn't wait.What else can |
| two-thirds of small and medium-sized businesses are | | | | you do? One secret is that the utility rates and |
| reporting that higher energy costs have had a | | | | regulations are open to interpretation. What do I |
| significant or moderate impact on their business.Alcoa | | | | mean? Utility companies provide you with a |
| Aluminum recently closed a plant in Maryland because | | | | smorgasbord of different rates from which to |
| rising electricity costs force them to do business | | | | choose. You may have one or two, or ten different |
| elsewhere.What can a business do if it doesn't want | | | | choices depending on where you live.This applies to |
| to shut its doors? Fortunately, there are | | | | not only your gas and electricity, but water and |
| answers.Businesses can save on their utility costs in | | | | sewage as well. In many parts of the country water |
| three ways. First, they can look at energy efficiency | | | | and sewage rates are going up 20% or higher next |
| monitoring and equipment. For example, new light | | | | year. Water and sewage rates have areas open to |
| fixtures. However, this involves spending money that | | | | interpretation as well.If you accept what the utility |
| might not be recouped for years. What can be done | | | | companies give you, it's the same as going to the |
| right now, and doesn't cost anything?There are two | | | | IRS and just saying, "Hey I trust you guys. You look |
| ways. First, a number of states have deregulated | | | | at my taxes and tell me what's fair." The point is you |
| natural gas and electricity, so you don't have to buy | | | | don't accept what the utility companies just tell you. |
| that commodity from your local utility company. | | | | You're the boss and you can say, "You're |
| Sometimes it makes sense, and the savings can be | | | | fired!"Robert Lansburg is with Auditek Solutions, Inc., |
| substantial, as much as 20%. In other states, the | | | | which monitors utility costs nationally and advises |
| savings are so minimal there's no point.What if you | | | | client on how to save money. and can be reached at |
| don't want to switch companies? You can also lock in | | | | 415=354-6140, ext. 50. Lansburg has been saving |
| a price. For example, right now natural gas is selling | | | | clients money for more than 20 years. |