Consultant – Broker Relations and Ethics

A word about Broker/Consultant relations and ethics. There are many Consultants and Brokers in the natural gas marketplace who bring us a customer’s business. There is a difference between a Broker and a Consultant. A Consultant is typically paid by the natural gas customer for advice and consultation. A Broker is typically paid a commission by Mid-States for bringing the customer’s business to Mid-States.

At Mid-States we do not believe it is ethical for a Consultant, who is being paid by the customer, to also receive a commission on the sale of gas from Mid-States without the customer’s knowledge. We usually know the relationship between the Consultant and the customer. However, if the Consultant does not tell us that he is being paid by the customer and asks us for a commission we will pay it. Therefore, if you are purchasing your natural gas from Mid-States, and you are paying a fee to a Consultant, feel free to ask us if Mid-States is also paying a commission to your Consultant.