Residential and commercial electricity usage is expected to decline through 2040, according to a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This is due in large part to energy efficiency improvements that are expected to exceed demand increases for energy. For example, the report cites that solar energy capacity is expected to grow through 2040. The study also finds that solar energy capital costs will decline through that time period, making such efficiency projects easier to take on.

Bundling your energy efficiency projects can not only help you justify a large capital outlay, it can also generate a quick payback on the investment.

We’ve already talked about how pricing is going to be a major energy-related trend you’ll need to keep your eye on during 2017, but let’s dig a little deeper. What else are you going to need to be aware of? And what are some other strategies you can implement immediately to deal with the pricing challenges that might arise from these issues? We sat down with our energy partners to find out a little more about what’s impacting energy prices and what small . Here’s what they had to say …

Energy prices are currently at or near all-time lows. That’s really good news for your business, right?

Sure, assuming these prices stay low. But there are signs that are pointing to an increase in energy prices during 2017, which means you’re going to need to put an added emphasis on managing energy costs—which is likely one of the biggest expenses your business faces—during the new year.

There is strength in numbers.

That’s a pretty common saying, but when it comes to energy buying, it rings very true. COSE members as a whole can gain market leverage for their energy purchases. How? Through the power of COSE’s partnerships.

We’ve talked at length about just how crucial it is for you and your business to find an energy supplier so you can begin regaining control over your energy expenses. But what’s the best way to go about selecting a supplier? Here are five things you should take into consideration.

Attention NOPEC customers - don't feel neglected. Here's what you need to know about recent changes to your electricity contract.

If you are not already with our Electric Choice Program, and in NOPEC's aggregation, did you know your current NOPEC rate will now expire December 31st? NOPEC's supplier, FirstEnergy Solutions has canceled its contract with NOPEC.

As part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Commercial Buildings Integration program’s initiative to scale-up replicable, energy-efficient solutions for small and medium office buildings, apartments, stores, restaurants, and businesses, the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) are leading a three-year energy efficiency initiative together  with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Financing your energy efficiency project just got a lot easier.

The Greater Cleveland Partnership and Council of Smaller Enterprises have created an Interest Rate Reduction Program for efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, working directly with KeyBank. The program allows businesses to reduce the interest rate on these projects by up to 4.25%.

This series about building energy audits has covered everything from what an audit is, the reasons for having an one, what is involved, and what we typically find. The hardest part of the energy audit is using it.