Charles Tralka

Stop Overpaying for Energy – We’ll Show You How

We help small and mid-sized businesses cut operating costs and increase profits through smart energy strategies.

About Me

I’m Charles (Chuck) Tralka, an electrical engineer and founder of ZeroQuest. I help small and mid-sized businesses spending $60K or more per year on electricity lower their bills by up to 30% through Utility Bill Analysis (UBA), Energy Audits, operational changes, Energy Management Systems (EMS), and smart upgrades.

  • Most businesses overpay due to billing errors and peak usage penalties
  • Fixing the rate plan and managing peak spikes can cut costs fast
  • Start with a Free Bill Screen; it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t cost a penny

The Top 5 Questions Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Ask

Billing errors, hidden fees, and the wrong rate plan can quietly cost you thousands. A Utility Bill Analysis finds these issues fast.

It’s not just how much you use — it’s when. Utilities charge extra for your single highest usage spikes (demand charges). Smart scheduling and load management can bring them down and save you money.

From refrigeration and HVAC to lighting and kitchen equipment, every business has energy hogs. An Energy Audit and real-time monitoring show you exactly where to focus.

You don’t always need to invest in a big capital project. Simple operational changes—like staggering when major equipment starts up—can reduce bills immediately.

Not all upgrades deliver. I help identify projects with the fastest payback and connect you with rebates, tax credits, and utility incentives to reduce upfront costs.

Featured Case Study

Independent Supermarket:

Results from Utility Bill Analysis and Energy Audit

  • Analyzed Utility Bill, completed Energy Audit, recommended minor changes
  • Reduced peak demand by 19%
  • Lowered total bill by 12% in just 45 days

How We Work

Clear steps, measurable savings.

Utility Bill Analysis
Energy Audit
Improvements
EMS
Smart Upgrades

Utility Bill Red Flags Every Business Should Check For

Learn the top warning signs on your utility bill—errors, wrong rates, and hidden fees—that cause businesses to overpay.

How Demand Charges Quietly Inflate SMB Energy Bills

Discover what demand charges are, how they drive up monthly costs, and practical steps to manage them.

Where Your Energy Dollars Really Go: HVAC, Lighting, and Refrigeration

Find out which equipment uses the most energy in restaurants, grocery stores, and other SMBs—and how to bring costs down. 

Seven No-Cost Changes That Cut Power Bills Instantly

See the simple operational tweaks—like scheduling loads and adjusting setpoints—that lower electricity bills without new equipment. 

The Fastest Payback Upgrades For Restaurants and Grocery Stores

From refrigeration controls to HVAC retrofits, explore which upgrades deliver the quickest ROI and how to maximize rebates.

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Charles (Chuck) Tralka

Engineer – Founder – Energy Advisor

Helping businesses optimize their energy consumption and reduce costs through innovative solutions and expert guidance. Passionate about sustainable energy practices that drive both environmental and financial benefits.