McKnight Associates is a utility consulting firm specializing in energy efficiency and customer service. We provide on-site employee training as well as custom-built educational displays that cover a wide range of consumer-oriented topics to all sectors of the utility industry.

Eddie McKnight, owner of McKnight Associates, LLC, is a 40+ year veteran of the electric industry. His experience ranges from the distribution level to national level organizations with specialization in the electric cooperative community. 

Through his extensive experience in serving cooperative members, McKnight Associates is able to offer products and training relevant to utilities of all sizes.

REFERENCES

​​Jim Nimmo, Farmers Electric Cooperative, TX
     "You almost never hear someone say they are looking forward to training. They either think it's a waste of time, the trainer wants to show how smart he is, or he is trying to sell something at the end of the class. Eddie McKnight is none of these. He was well prepared, and gave great examples of things our employees could say when engaged with a consumers over the phone, in the office, or in line at the supermarket. He didn’t try to dazzle us with his brilliance nor did he try to confuse us. He delivered great content without making us feel dumb and there was not a high pressure sales pitch after the fact. It was training like it should be, and the ratings were very high.”

Jake Thomas, Union Power Cooperative, NC

     "In recent years, we held classes for our employees, Member Conversations, facilitated by Eddie McKnight, instructor and trainer.  These workshops reviewed the most commonly asked questions about energy usage, lighting, high bills, and how to respond to these concerns. It also taught the basics about energy efficiency and how a little knowledge can go a long way when talking to consumers. Chances are we have all been involved in conversations about energy bills. Most people are surprised to learn that the cost of electricity has increased very little over the years. The driving factor has been increased consumption which directly affects cost. Our needs for electricity today are far greater than ever before. Eddie showed us that since 1935 we have seen the price of electricity increase a little more than triple. Compare that to something as simple as coffee which has seen a cost increase of 50+ times in the same period. Our employees who took the class gave Eddie some of the highest evaluation scores he has ever had for Member Conversations."

Butch Williamson, CEO, A&N Electric Cooperative, VA
      “Before we can really talk about improving member engagement, we need to better understand some of the challenges our members are facing on a daily basis. ‘Member Conversations’, taught by Eddie McKnight, provided all areas of our workforce the training that helps build employee confidence in meeting our members’ needs by having relevant conversations about costs and efficient uses of energy. No matter what your role is at your cooperative, our members look at all of us as energy experts. It doesn’t matter how long you have been part of the Co-op family, this training is a great start for building the foundation for continuing dialogue with members. The post workshop evaluations showed that Eddie’s experience with members over a 40+ year career in the electric industry was invaluable to our employees.”