Electricity price forecasts: check the tariff before estimating project savings

Source summary · 6 October 2026 EIA’s October outlook forecasts higher US wholesale electricity prices in 2026, with regional differences. INNOFLOW perspective · 19 October 2026 A wholesale forecast is useful context, but a project calculation needs the customer’s actual tariff. Before assessing a solar, storage or load-control proposal, obtain a recent bill and the applicable tariff schedule. A practical quotation check Separate energy charges, demand charges and fixed fees. Record time-of-use periods and any export compensation. Ask the proposer which bill components the operating strategy can change, and which remain payable. Compare a base case with alternative tariff assumptions; label forecasts separately from contracted rates. Have the project team verify the calculation before procurement. This is independent purchasing commentary, not a promise of savings.