How to Find a Service Organization (SO)

Choosing the right Service Organization (SO) is a key in shaping your career as an Energy Advisor (EA). Before making a decision, it’s important to be clear on your business goals, working style, and long-term expectations.

Clarify Your Business or Career Model

Reflect on your ideal working arrangement:

  • Employment type: Employee (SO or EA company) or Independent Consultant
  • Availability: Full-time vs Part-time
  • Work type: Existing homes, New construction, or Both
  • Lead generation: Will you source leads, will they be provided, or a combination of the two?
  • Support: What administrative, technical, or mentoring support do you need?
  • Alignment: Are their values and business ethics compatible with yours?
  • Equipment: What tools will you need or expect the SO to provide?
  • Financial goals: What are your income expectations and sustainability needs?
  • Additional program and label support/services: e.g., Multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), ENERGY STAR® for New Homes, Net Zero, etc.

How to Find a Service Organization

You can find an SO through several channels:

Questions to Ask a Potential SO

To ensure a good fit, ask the right questions during your conversations:

  • How many EAs do you currently support?
  • How is compensation structured? File processing fees? Modelling charges? Payment structure? Are travel/mileage costs covered?
  • What kind of support do you offer? (e.g., training, software, on-site mentoring)
  • How many probationary files are required, and what’s the process?
  • How many audits are expected per day?
  • Will I handle all aspects of the audit (field work, modeling, reporting)?
  • Do you hold any additional program licenses (e.g., ESNH, CHBA Net Zero, MURB)?
  • Does the Service Organization provide any tools to support EAs (e.g., software, administrative tools, etc.)?
  • Is equipment provided? If so, is there a rental or usage fee?
  • How often will my files be QA’d (quality assurance)?
  • Is a personal vehicle required?
  • Is this an exclusive relationship? If so, why?
  • Do you schedule the audits?
  • Can I generate my own leads?
  • What verification, if any, do you require for my equipment?
  • May I speak with current EAs you support?
  • What is your typical response time to EA questions or concerns?
  • How often do you communicate with your EAs with relevant industry information (e.g., NRCan bulletins, newsletters, tips and tricks, etc.)?

Working with Multiple SOs

EAs may choose to work with more than one SO, even across different provinces, to access a wider range of programs and service areas. Flexibility is possible and often beneficial—especially for those seeking diverse project experience.

Adding or Changing an SO

When joining a new SO, be prepared to demonstrate your skills and experience. Each SO may have unique onboarding processes, additional probationary files, expectations, or training requirements, may include quizzes and tests.