The spread of COVID-19 has had a significant effect on financial markets around the world. Virus-related shutdowns have impacted economies and businesses in ways that were not thought possible a month ago. The energy sector is one of the many industries experiencing an impact and communicating these impacts to end users can help them manage their risk and costs during this time. Energy suppliers are reacting to this global crisis and closely examining their risk, as concerns grow that many businesses are experiencing hardships and changes in usage and operations. These circumstances change the way that suppliers and end users may need to evaluate their own risk.
Below are the primary areas of concern, that we need to be aware of.
Credit Risk
The current market has made suppliers evaluate risk credit. They have reacted by tightening credit standards, which may require more information for immediate start dates through October 2020. With the uncertainty around certain industries, suppliers have been examining impacted business sectors more closely. Businesses in the hospitality (particularly restaurants and bars), gym, hotels and theater industries are currently facing the highest impact. While there may be some initial pushback, we can help you navigate the current market and find products that may present less credit risk to suppliers.
Increased Risk Premium Modeling
The energy industry is dealing with big changes in clients’ usage patterns, previously unheard-of government policies and regulations, as well as other uncertainty in fundamental market functionality. Suppliers are changing their pricing models to account for the uncertainties of energy volume consumption fluctuations, potential renewable requirement impacts, and most importantly capacity cost complications. There are several components that go into an energy bill besides the cost of the actual energy, with the second largest charge usually being the capacity component.
Why capacity risk is a concern?
To better understand capacity, think of it as a form of electricity insurance. Capacity is a daily dollar cost, not a per unit cost. It is priced based on customers’ estimated cap costs and usage volumes. If there is uncertainty on suppliers’ end, an additional risk premium is added to make up for the risk.
Here’s an example:
Before Covid-19
If the capacity cost per month for a customer is $2,000
Customer uses 100,000 kWh/month
Cost per unit kWh is $.02
· After Covid-19
Capacity costs stay the same at $2000
Usage drops to 75,000 kWh/month
The cost per unit is $.026, which means a $.006 difference per unit that needs to be built into suppliers’ risk.
While Covid-19 has had an impact on the energy markets and the components that make up the total cost there are different solutions that are available that can help balance the risk and the cost through this time. Please reach out to Patriot Energy and we will work with you to find the right solution for your individual circumstance. We are here to help you navigate through the changes and to work together so we can all come out of this on the other side.
Additionally, if you’re experiencing financial hardship in this unprecedented situation, government assistance programs are available to small and mid-size businesses. Some of these programs available include:
Federal Government
· Paycheck Protection Plan – The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.
· Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance – This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.
· Employer Tax Relief – Businesses that have been severely impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) will qualify for two new employer tax credits – the Credit for Sick and Family Leave and the Employee Retention Credit.
· SBA Debt Relief – The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
State and Local Resources
· S. Chamber of Commerce – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has compiled a list of programs providing financial assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
· Mass.gov – Mass.gov has provided a resource page to help business navigate the outbreak of COVID-19 and support them during this time.
· Texas Economic Development – News, resources, and programs regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) available for Texas
Although we cannot advise you specifically about the details of these programs and resources, you should consult with the sponsoring agencies to determine your eligibility and the current availability of these and other state and local business assistance programs in your area.
Patriot Energy values our business relationship with you and we are committed to moving forward with you through these challenging times.
We are all in this together.
If you have any questions, please reach out to:
Tina L. Patnode-FisherSenior Account Executive
Email: tpatnode@patriotenergygroup.com
Phone: 781-376-1888 x 210 | Cell: 781-496-6135 | Fax: 413-736-1904
201 Westfield Street | West Springfield, MA | 01089
