The Cost of “Free” Energy Advice in Connecticut.
How conflict-free forensic auditing uncovers the hidden taxes and broker margins draining high-load CT enterprises. Verified data from the CT Office of Consumer Counsel.
The Connecticut Energy Trap
According to the CT OCC, 56.7% of commercial accounts remain on the utility’s default standard service — completely unoptimized. In Q1 2026, the average competitive rate was 19% below Eversource standard service.
Inertia is the most expensive energy strategy in Connecticut. Default utility service guarantees you pay the maximum possible price.
The Hidden “Broker Tax”
Most brokers claim their services are “free.” In reality, they embed a hidden 1.5¢ per kWh commission into your supply rate — it never appears as a line item on your bill.
Brokers are paid only when you sign. Zero incentive to advise waiting or staying on standard service. This is the “Signature Tax.”
The 14.85% Manufacturing Advantage
CT manufacturers using 75%+ of electricity in production qualify for a major statutory exemption. Most CPAs claim the 6.35% Sales Tax (CERT-115) but miss the 8.5% Gross Earnings Tax (GET) hidden inside delivery charges.
Standard brokers ignore the GET because recovering it pays them no commission. SEA deploys PE-stamped load studies to recover up to 36 months retroactively.
From “Renewal Roulette” to Managed Asset
A regional CT cold storage facility replaced their commission-based broker with SEA’s conflict-free, success-fee methodology.
The Fiduciary Workflow
Five steps. Zero supplier commissions. Fee tied only to verified savings.