Selecting an ESCO: Questions To Ask

Selecting an ESCO: What To Ask

One early but crucial step in ensuring the success of a performance contract is selecting the energy service company (ESCO). Michael Daigneault, vice president of development with Ameresco, suggests these questions managers can use:

• What is the ESCO's experience in offering performance-contracting services for my type of facility?
• Is the ESCO accredited by the National Association of Energy Services Companies (NAESCO)?
• What is the experience of the ESCO personnel assigned to my project?
• Have they been involved in ESCO projects, or are they new to the field?
• What is the ESCO's track record and ability to honor the savings guarantee?
• What work is done with in-house personnel versus contractors?
• Is the ESCO's recommendation based on what is best for my facility, or could the ESCO be incentivized to recommend their company's products?
• If it's the second option, is it a product I want, and what impact will it have?
• What is the ESCO's experience with transparent performance contracts? Do I have say in the equipment installed and contractors doing the work?
• Will the ESCO use local companies that I approve to implement the work, or is it bringing its preferred sub-contractors from outside the area?
• How will the ESCO price the work?
• What processes do they follow to ensure I get the best value for my project?

— Dan Hounsell