ETB Consulting has quickly become an essential resource for developers and energy professionals navigating the complexities of solar and energy storage projects. Launched less than a year ago, ETB Consulting offers comprehensive assessments of every aspect of your project, delivering expert recommendations on system sizing, rate tariffs, and strategies to maximize incentives. With a detailed economic analysis at its core, this one-of-a-kind approach ensures that clients receive actionable, bankable insights that drive smarter, more informed project decisions.
Meet Jorie Tate, Product Manager of ETB Consulting, based in Gainesville, Florida. Jorie has over seven years of experience at Energy Toolbase. She brings deep expertise to her role, and she’s here to discuss the benefits of ETB Consulting, exciting upcoming projects, and more.
Q: You’ve been at ETB for over 7 years. Can you talk about your experience within the company?
A: Energy Toolbase has changed a lot over the years, and being part of that growth has been incredible. While change can sometimes be uncomfortable, it’s also been a key driver of innovation and progress within the company. I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside ETB, both personally and professionally, and it’s been rewarding to witness the evolution of the company from its initial start-up stage to where we are today.
The shifts we’ve gone through have not only enhanced our services and capabilities but also created more opportunities for collaboration and learning. I’ve been able to take on new challenges, develop my skills, and contribute to exciting projects, all while being part of a team that’s driven and supportive. Watching the company expand and adapt to industry shifts and continually strive for excellence has been both motivating and inspiring. I’m proud to have been here through these changes, and I look forward to the continued growth and success of ETB in the years to come.
Q: If you were speaking with a developer, how would you explain the benefits of ETB Consulting to them?
A: At ETB Consulting, we help developers and building owners focus on what they do best—spending time on-site, working with customers, and closing deals—while we handle the complex, time-consuming analysis behind the scenes. For a fixed rate, our expert team can assist with understanding utility bills, rates, rate switches, net metering rules, incentives, and exploring new markets. We’re here to make your job easier so you can present accurate, deliverable numbers to your clients and grow your business.
Q: Tell us about your job responsibilities as Product Manager of ETB Consulting?
A: As Product Manager, I’m responsible for tracking, building, and implementing projects that enhance our consulting services for both internal and external use while also driving business growth. Gathering feedback from stakeholders, our consulting team, and customers is key to ensuring projects are intentional, purposeful, and impactful. This helps create a clear roadmap and ensures we are meeting the needs of all parties involved.
Being newer to this side of the business has been a fantastic learning experience, and I’ve gained a lot of insight into how different teams collaborate to achieve our goals. The diversity of perspectives within ETB has broadened my understanding of the industry and our clients’ needs. Leaning on my coworkers for support has been a big part of my success, and I’m grateful for the collaborative and open environment that makes it easy to ask questions and share ideas. This role has challenged me to grow, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the company’s ongoing success and innovation.
Q: What are some misconceptions about the impact that utility rates have on a proposal? And what impact would an inaccurate rates analysis have on a project?
A: A common misconception is that using a utility rate that hasn’t been validated by our team of experts is accurate or ‘close enough.’ Other software or services might rely on energy rate averages or oversimplified calculations from utility bill data. These and other workaround approaches overlook critical components of the rate structure —such as charge types, seasonality, and ratchets—which can significantly affect the accuracy and success of the analysis.
Another mistake is using outdated rates from a static database. Some utilities adjust charges monthly or make significant quarterly or annual changes. Without using Energy Toolbase’s up-to-date rate database, you run the risk of missing real-time fluctuations and changes in rate structures from the utility. The consequence of these inaccuracies is faulty analysis from the start. Running a project based on unreliable data introduces risk and makes the project less reliable or bankable for the end customer.
Q: Can you tell us about the ETB Consulting team?
A: The ETB Consulting team is a group of experts who are passionate about delivering the best possible analysis. As one of our newer service offerings, the team has exceeded all expectations and continues to produce top-notch results for our customers. Since no two consulting requests are alike, having the ability to rely on ETB’s experts and work alongside our customers to navigate solutions has been incredibly rewarding.
Q: What sets ETB Consulting apart from other services in the industry?
A: What sets ETB Consulting apart is our unmatched expertise in utility rates and net metering. Understanding how a customer is billed, how they can offset their bill, and identifying other potentially lucrative opportunities all come down to a utility’s set tariffs. I’m confident there is no other service that matches our approach or accuracy in analyzing the key elements that impact the financial performance of solar PV and energy storage systems. Plus, with our advanced modeling capabilities through Developer, we can deliver tailored, industry-leading solutions that are tailored to each client, no matter the complexity or customer type.
Q: What is an upcoming project you’ve been working on that you're particularly excited about?
A: I’m excited about a few upcoming projects focused on enhancing our consulting services. When rolling out any new product, it’s easy to assume everything is perfectly executed, but the reality is that there’s always room for feedback and improvement. Right now, we’re refining our approach to better align with clients’ evolving needs, integrating more data-driven insights, and streamlining processes. These efforts will not only increase the value we deliver to our clients but also strengthen our team’s capabilities, allowing us to stay ahead of industry trends. I’m excited to see the positive impact this will have both internally and externally.
