Paving the Road for Successful Business Partnerships

Business Challenge

Energy companies often contract with construction firms and electrical contractors to administer aspects of their energy programs in the commercial/industrial space.

Our utility client, located in the Northeast, had a number of energy programs they needed to test drive with these types of customers. Wanting to ensure their business relationships were healthy and reciprocal, they asked TRC to help them learn if they could rely on these partners to properly execute an important Energy Efficiency program.

TRC’s Solutions

Focus groups were conducted among the contractors to learn how they felt about our client’s undertaking; specific program elements as well as how they were being treated. Contractors who were unable to participate were surveyed online to ensure their opinions were heard.

Successful Results Implementation

Findings revealed that contractors were generally happy with the program itself, and while they offered suggestions for improving the program, their main feedback was on ways our client, their partner, could enhance their working relationship.

It was recommended that the energy company make key improvements in the areas of communication, efficiency, transparency, and support. Tactical recommendations were also offered in each of the four areas.

The bonus for our client was that the mere act of conducting the research left a positive impression on contractors.