1. Pay bills promptly.

Some electricity customers pass their power bills around for approval from departments before paying. The best plan is to have the utility draft a checking account. If you find errors on the bill, there is no problem getting refunds going back 3 years. Pay automatically, verify later. Automatic payment assures no late fees. A record of no late payments helps avoid a security deposit.

2. No Sales taxes for non-profits

Any tax-exempt institution can have sales tax waived. The utility must be shown the tax-exempt certificate issued by the state. If a sales tax was collected, a refund of 3 years previous payments can be requested.

3, Demand control and off-peak rates

A significant part of a commercial customer’s bills are charges for peak hourly use or demand. Customers should try to schedule power use away for peak hours.

4. Your own outdoor lighting

Own your own outdoor lighting fixtures and have them wired into your electrical system. If wiring is not practical, say in a parking lot, then choose non-metered service from the utility and let them do the wiring. The worse option is for the utility to own the fixtures and rent them to you. Outdoor lighting rental is one of many utility’s most lucrative programs.

5. No surge protection

Surge protection is an expensive insurance policy with a low probability of payout. Lightning protection is likely already covered in your general insurance. Utilities offer surge protection service for a monthly fee and install a device akin to the power strips we use for computers. If lightning strikes it’s going to fry everything anyway. Put in your own surge protection and check your insurance coverage.

Next: 5 more tips to save you money

Jim Clarkson is CEO of Resource Supply Management and an adviser to businesses. He can be reached at jclarkson@rsmenergy.com .