Our proprietary web-based post and respond system helps our customers find the best price over time and, since the supplier has time on their side as well, they are able to put their best foot forward, bidding when their unique asset positions are most favorable… creating a win for everyone. Our post and respond process involves four discrete stages: At the start, our market director holds a pre-release call with the client to discuss current market conditions and to understand their energy use requirements. Based on this information, we apply our market intelligence, pricing expertise, and data analysis capabilities to develop a go-to-market strategy, including how best to structure the offering. Then we draft an RFP for the client’s review. Only when they approve the posting is it released to the supplier network. Postings are typically “active” well in advance of the energy contract term start date. During this time, we deliver both personal and automated communications to qualified suppliers based on active profiling and their past activity. Suppliers access the platform on a regular basis and submit indicative pricing throughout the life of the posting, providing the client constant visibility into their energy supply costs. Email notification alerts the client whenever an offer is received, and whenever a specific pricing objective is attainable. We help our clients review the most favorable offers, and, if indicated, invite other suppliers to a negotiated auction event to conclude the transaction. Once a supplier has been chosen, our market directors help client and supplier settle on contracting and credit terms. Because the energy markets can move significantly in a very short period of time, we do everything we can to conclude terms as quickly as possible, given that credit and legal approvals are necessary before any deal can close. Once offers are executable, the transaction is completed online and deal confirmations are generated automatically. In most cases, following the completion of a procurement event, we will develop a new posting for a period subsequent to the initial awarded posting period. This “proactive posting” is intended to set a lower target price and leverage time and volatility to potentially improve our client's current contract price. We help them maintain a constant presence in the marketplace, so that they can take advantage of seasonal dips or unpredictable activity in the market. |
