Energy.com Corp. of Columbus, OH, said it plans to streamlinethe energy buying process for commercial and industrial customersand at the same time make life easier for energy marketers. Thecompany is preparing to launch eBID, an on-line Request forProposal (RFP) system through its web site at www.energy.com. Theweb-based interactive RFP process will allow commercial andindustrial businesses to shop for the best energy source on-line.Energy.com’s eBID is scheduled to launch later this month.

The electronic bidding system will allow commercial andindustrial businesses to define their energy requirements andpreferences once, while submitting their requests for competitivebids to either one or multiple energy suppliers. This process alsoallows energy marketers to respond to these commercial andindustrial customers through the same interactive on-line system.By enabling energy marketers to respond to thousands of requestsusing fewer resources, eBID will help these marketers to expandtheir markets while enhancing margins.

“Downward pressure on margins is making it extremely difficultfor many energy marketers to justify their businesses. The Internetallows progressive marketers to rethink the way they approach themarket, enhance margins and increase profitability,” said Thomas L.Ulry, president of Energy.com Corp.

“Historically, the competitive bid process for energy has beentime-consuming and labor intensive for both the consumer and energymarketer. eBID allows consumers to better control the materialsreceived by energy marketers and make the evaluation and selectionprocess easier,” said Kathryn J. Hughes, Energy.com productmanager.

Energy.com is negotiating with energy marketers and anticipatesexecuting several contracts prior to eBID’s launch. Additionalenergy suppliers will continue to be added following the productlaunch.

“The geographical reach of the marketers anticipated for thelaunch of eBID will allow Energy.com to launch eBID throughout theMidwest in a first phase. We intend to expand to a nationaloffering soon thereafter. Each supplier added will expand ourmarket presence,” said Ulry. “Additionally, participating marketerswill be offered the opportunity to license eBID for use on theirown web sites.”

Joe Fisher, Houston

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