Gustav has come, Gustav has tapered off, and we are very glad to see that the human cost of Gustav was as small as could reasonably be hoped for.
Natural gas prices actually followed the fundamentals for a few days, spiking up as Gustav hit. Felt like old times. But this only lasted until reports of the minor resulting damage came in, after which the downward price trend continued.
This is what we expected. Cost Containment Intl. had a number of contracts that were ready to be signed just as the spike started, and on our recommendation, the customers held off signing until the spike had passed. Then we requoted and expedited. Needless to say, we do not enjoy holding off on contracts, but this is part of the way we are able to provide the best cost savings.
Were risks involved? Certainly. Had Gustav behaved differently, and had the damage been more severe, the current price trend would be in a very different place today. We would be working with clients to determine the best strategy to deal with the new circumstances and to find the best savings in the new market.
For one week, we get to feel like geniuses.
Would we have expedited contracts at the price-spike level if clients had requested it? Of course. As a Cost Containment Intl. customer, your preference is always honored, and many of our customers prefer to avoid risk and go with what they’ve got. There is never a “right” or “wrong” choice, only a risk level to tolerate or avoid. This week they listened, they tolerated risk, and they saved.
What does this mean to you? Cost Containment Intl. will do the analysis and give you our best recommendation, but in the end, every contract is a roll of the dice. If you’ve listened, considered and then followed your gut, you will always be able to sleep easy with the choice you make. Remember, there is no cost and no obligation to find out how much you could be saving right now. Find out what a difference the right plan at the right price can make to you.