Published December 13, 2024

Why Pay More? How Meter Eliminates Broker Fees and Lowers Your Energy Bills

Cut costs by up to 90% and simplify energy management with Meter's AI-powered platform—eliminating brokers, hidden fees, and multiple utility bill hassles.

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Did you know fewer than 23% of commercial energy brokers disclose their fees and commissions? Most businesses don’t. And that lack of transparency often means you’re overpaying while the middleman pockets the difference. At Meter, we think you deserve better. That’s why we’ve revolutionized energy brokerage with cutting-edge software that eliminates human brokers entirely. The result? Lower costs, more transparency, and more money in your profit margin. But how does the whole market even function? Lets give you an overview of what the traditional way is and what is wrong with it.

What Is the Purpose of An Energy Broker?

Energy costs are one of the largest expenses for many businesses, especially manufacturers or property owners with high energy consumption. Navigating complex energy markets, comparing supplier rates, and negotiating contracts is a full-time job—one that most business owners simply don't have time for. That's where an energy broker traditionally steps in. Their role is to: • Analyze your business's energy needs • Find and negotiate better rates with electricity and natural gas suppliers • Monitor the market for cost-saving opportunities • Manage your energy contracts and renewals In theory, energy brokers save you money by reducing your overall costs. But in practice, many businesses discover they're paying far more than they realize, with no transparent way to verify their broker's real margins.

Can't I Just Handle Energy Procurement Myself?

While it's possible, most businesses struggle to handle this complex task efficiently. Energy markets are volatile and understanding contract terms, capacity tags, and various rate structures requires specialized knowledge. However, traditional brokers often exploit this complexity to justify high fees.

What Are Brokers Really Costing You?

Traditional energy brokers typically charge 1-3 cents per kWh in hidden fees. For a mid-sized business using 100,000 kWh monthly, that's $10,000-30,000 annually in broker fees alone. Most businesses never see these fees itemized—they're quietly built into your 'supply rate.'

The Hidden Costs of Traditional Energy Brokers

Most energy brokers make their money by embedding fees and commissions into your energy bill. This means you’re likely paying far more than you realize, with no clear way to see the breakdown. For large businesses, these hidden costs can add up to $20,000–$40,000 per year! That’s money coming straight out of your profit margin. And if you’re already working with a broker, you may be questioning whether their value justifies the expense. Yes, chances are that you might not be facing these problems and you might actually have an honest broker but as we said, less than 23% brokers ever disclose their fees so you might want to re-evaluate.

Are Energy Brokers Even Needed?

While it might seem like bypassing energy brokers to work directly with suppliers could save money, this approach often backfires. Energy brokers are experts in the complex electricity and natural gas markets, with the ability to navigate fluctuating rates and negotiate better deals using their leverage with multiple suppliers. Although brokers earn commissions, direct dealings with suppliers still include embedded sales fees from salaried representatives, often resulting in higher costs. By leveraging a broker’s expertise and market connections, businesses can secure lower energy rates, save time, and ultimately reduce their overall expenses. The solution to this? An AI-powered energy broker tool that doesn’t cost a lot and works more efficiently than a traditional broker.

Is AI-Powered Energy Broker Software Efficient Enough?

The traditional energy brokerage model relies heavily on human involvement, which often leads to inefficiencies, delays, and inflated costs. In contrast, automated energy brokerage represents a paradigm shift in how businesses manage their energy procurement. By leveraging advanced software and AI technology, automated energy brokerage eliminates the need for manual processes like rate negotiation, market monitoring, and contract drafting. These tasks, which typically require significant time and effort when handled by traditional brokers, can be performed in seconds with AI-powered solutions like Meter. With automation, the result is faster, more accurate, and cost-effective energy procurement. Businesses not only save money but also regain valuable time to focus on their core operations, making automated energy brokerage not just efficient but transformative.

How Meter is Different (and Better)

PRICE CALCULATOR

See how much your business can save with Meter

Fun fact: On average, only 23% of energy brokers openly disclose their fees to customers.

How much electricity do you use a year?

WITH METER
$14/Year

Cost of service

WITHOUT METER
$56/Year*

*If they tell you their rate

2

Middleman involved

Energy Bill

Profit Margin

*Estimated figures based on average energy broker report

Multiple locations, one dashboard

A Complete Energy Management Solution

Connect all of your energy accounts and bills in one place

Seamlessly connect and manage all your energy accounts and bills across multiple locations with a single dashboard, simplifying energy oversight for your business.

Shop energy across all of your properties

Combine your usage and shop energy suppliers across all your properties, individually or as a bundle, no matter their location or utility provider

Intelligent monitoring & alerts

Meter continuously analyzes market trends, much like monitoring the stock market, and alerts you on where to get the best deals or when it's time to renegotiate for better savings.

Who Benefits Most from Meter?

Meter was designed for businesses that value efficiency, savings, and simplicity. Whether your business has one location or dozens, Meter simplifies energy management by consolidating multiple bills into one dashboard, making your operations more efficient and cost-effective. • Save time by automating energy negotiations. • Save money by eliminating hidden fees. • Boost your bottom line by reducing operating expenses.

Is Your Current Broker Worth It?

If you're already working with a traditional energy broker, ask yourself: • Do you know how much you're paying them in fees or commissions? • Are they delivering enough value to justify their cost? If the answer to either question is "no," it's time to rethink your approach. With Meter, you get more value for less money—no middleman required. Stop Overpaying. Start Saving. Your business deserves a smarter solution for energy savings. With Meter, you can lower your energy costs, streamline your operations, and keep more money where it belongs—in your pocket. Ready to make the switch? Sign up with Meter today and discover how much your business could save.