Utility audits for private equity portfolio companies
Every acquisition moves utility accounts to a new owner, and that is when rate classes, classifications and contracts go wrong. Portfolio companies and serial acquirers find more billing errors than almost anyone, and the fix is the same each time.
Why acquired sites carry billing errors
- Accounts move to a new legal name and the utility re-sets them up, sometimes on a default rate class.
- Classifications tied to the previous owner's business no longer match how the site operates.
- Supply contracts expire or roll over to default pricing because no one at the new owner knew the renewal date.
- Bills go to old addresses, autopay stops, and late fees and disconnection notices follow.
- Each add-on acquisition brings new utilities, states and rate structures into a portfolio no one has reviewed as a whole.
What we have found after acquisitions
| Client | Situation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Diversified agribusiness | Audit after an acquisition of grain, flour and soybean sites | 5 issues in 3 states: $117,412 refunded and about $120,000 a year saved |
| Industrial services provider, 103 facilities | More than half the sites paid utility late fees every month after an acquisition | Late fees ended once audit, procurement and bill pay ran on one account inventory |
| Global chemical distributor | 1,000+ accounts with 87 providers in 2 countries, growing by acquisition | $500,000+ a year saved and $300,000+ in refunds |
How we work with sponsors and portfolio companies
- At close. Build the account inventory from what accounts payable actually paid, confirm every account is in the right name, and record contract end dates.
- In the first 100 days. Audit every account against its tariff and file refund claims for errors inherited from the previous owner.
- Through the hold. Run bill pay, procurement and TaraBase reporting on one inventory, so each add-on acquisition is folded in the same way.
- Before exit. Hand over a documented, audited utility baseline: correct rate classes, contract terms and verified savings.
Each portfolio company can engage on its own, with its own letter of authorization and its own savings baseline. Audits are contingency-based, with no upfront fee. For a step-by-step list, read utility costs in acquisitions: a post-close checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Why do acquired sites have more utility billing errors?
Accounts are re-set up under a new owner, classifications tied to the old business stop matching, contracts expire unnoticed, and bills go to old addresses. Each step can leave a site on the wrong rate or paying late fees.
Can each portfolio company engage separately?
Yes. Each company signs its own letter of authorization and gets its own findings and savings baseline, so results stay with the business that earned them.
When is the best time to audit after an acquisition?
Within the first 100 days, once the account inventory is confirmed. Some refund periods are counted back from the date a claim is filed, so earlier is better.
Is there a fee upfront?
No. Audits are contingency-based and paid only from refunds and verified savings.
Find out what your bills should have cost.
Send one recent bill per site, or a list of accounts. We tell you where we expect findings before you sign anything. No upfront audit fee.