Small business energy consultant

Restaurants, retail stores, offices, small manufacturers, property managers and nonprofits with sizable utility bills.

A fixed fee for an audit and report, a monthly retainer for ongoing monitoring, or a hourly rate. Some advisors agree a fee tied to savings, which needs a clear written contract.

• Reading utility bills and rate structures
• Basic knowledge of lighting, HVAC and building systems
• Spreadsheet analysis
• Sales and relationship building

• Check your state for any licensing rules, for example engineering rules if you give engineering advice
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) and general liability insurance
• In some states, advising on energy supplier contracts may be regulated, so check with your state utility commission
• Clients may take months to decide, so plan for a slow start
• Use a written agreement that says what you will and will not guarantee

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your software, insurance, marketing and any training you choose. Treat these as estimates and get real quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on how many clients you win and how you charge. Clients may take months to decide, so early months may be slower. These are estimates only.

Check your state for licensing rules, for example engineering rules if you give engineering advice. Also check with your state utility commission about advising on energy supplier contracts, and look into professional liability and general liability insurance.