Resources
Practical resources, worth grabbing
Tools and guides to help you make smarter decisions — even if we never work together. No strings attached.
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A few resources we’ve put together for business owners and project teams.
The 5-minute energy check
A simple checklist to spot whether your business is overpaying — before your contract renews.
Get the checklist — The 5-minute energy checkABA capability statement
Our one-page overview of certifications, NAICS codes and capabilities — ready for your bid file.
Request the PDF — ABA capability statementWhen to lock in your rate
A plain-English guide to timing your energy contract so you buy low, not high.
Read the guide — When to lock in your rateAnswers to common questions
Quick, honest answers about energy brokerage, material supply and working with a certified partner.
What is an energy broker and why use one?
An energy broker shops the deregulated supply market on a business's behalf to secure better rates and terms. The local utility still delivers the energy and handles outages and billing; the broker only changes who supplies it and at what price. ABA Partners Plus is paid a margin by the supplier rather than by the client, so the review and ongoing service cost the business nothing.
What does 'minority-certified supplier' actually mean?
It means an independent certifying body has verified that the company is genuinely owned, operated and controlled by women or minorities — typically requiring at least 51% ownership plus proof of day-to-day control. MBE, EDGE, WBENC and WOSB are the main credentials in this space. Certification lets a contractor count spend with that supplier toward supplier-diversity participation goals on public and private contracts, and stand behind it in an audit.
Which states and markets does ABA Partners Plus serve?
For energy, ABA operates in deregulated markets: Ohio (natural gas and electric statewide), Illinois, Indiana (natural gas) and parts of Kentucky. For material supply and procurement, ABA serves projects across Ohio and the wider Midwest, including Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Northern Kentucky, Indianapolis and Chicago.
How do I get a capability statement for my bid?
Ask. Call 513-815-3308 or send a note through the contact form and ABA sends its current capability statement — certifications, NAICS codes and capabilities on one page — the same or next business day.
How quickly will ABA Partners Plus respond to an enquiry?
Within one business day for form submissions. For urgent project needs, call 513-815-3308 directly and ABA moves the same day.
What is the difference between energy supply and energy delivery on a bill?
A commercial energy bill splits into two parts. Delivery (or distribution) is the regulated charge from your local utility for moving energy over its wires or pipes — that rate is set by the regulator and cannot be shopped. Supply is the cost of the energy itself, and in a deregulated market that part is competitive. A broker works only on the supply portion, which is typically 40–60% of the total bill.
More guides are on the way. Have a question you’d like answered here? Tell us and we’ll add it.
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Tell us what you’re trying to figure out and we’ll point you to the right resource — or just answer it directly.