Abstract: In order to determine a lowest utility cost relative to a plurality of utility rate structures and a Contract Base Load, a plurality of utility costs are computed such that each of the utility costs corresponds to a different combination of one of rate structures and the Contract Base Load. These computations are based on an objective function. A rate structure and Contract Base Load combination corresponding to the lowest utility cost is presented to a utility customer who may then negotiate a utility contract based on the present information. If desired, the computations may also be based on various on-site generation options.