How to Choose a Power Quality Consultant: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire

A power quality engagement done well produces data-driven diagnoses, specific actionable recommendations and measurable results. A power quality engagement done poorly produces a thick report with impressive charts that doesn’t tell you what to fix or why.

Question 1: What certifications do your engineers hold?

The AEE Certified Power Quality Professional (CPQ) and Certified Energy Manager (CEM) credentials are the recognized professional certifications in this field. Ask to see the certification and verify it is current.

Question 2: What instrumentation do you use?

For compliance-grade measurement, instruments must meet IEC 61000-4-30 Class A requirements. A consultant using Class B instruments for compliance work is providing measurements that won’t hold up to scrutiny. Ask for the specific instrument model.

Question 3: How do you define root cause — and how do you prove it?

Root cause in power quality is not ‘you have harmonics’ — it is ‘these harmonic currents are generated by load X, flowing through path Y, creating disturbance Z on equipment W.’ Ask the consultant to explain their root-cause methodology explicitly.

Question 4: What does a typical engagement look like?

Look for a structured process: scoping and site review, measurement setup, data collection (minimum 7 days), analysis and interpretation, and a formal report. An engagement that skips the site review or uses a short data collection period is cutting corners. Get a written scope of work before committing.

Question 5–Question 7 + Red Flags

Q5: Can you provide references in my industry? (Industry-specific experience matters)
Q6: How are recommendations prioritized? (Look for ROI-based prioritization, not just expensive equipment)
Q7: What does your reporting include? (Ask to see a sample report)

Red flags: no AEE certification; measurement periods under 7 days; recommendations before data analysis; reports without root causes; inability to explain measurement methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a power quality assessment cost?

A single-point baseline assessment typically runs in the low thousands of dollars. Be wary of unusually low quotes — they typically reflect compromises in measurement duration, instrument quality, or analysis depth.

Contact Argoe Group to discuss your power quality assessment needs. Our AEE-certified engineers are ready to help.