Remote access to interval meter data and building automation systems now allows near-real-time energy management by building operators. In the near future, it will be possible for this process to be automatic. Are we ready for real-time automated energy optimization? Or is the human factor still important and perhaps necessary? This presentation will show how human intervention continues to be essential and how monitoring-based retro-commissioning (MBRCx) services, managed by energy specialists, can ensure the persistence of energy savings. We will also describe how a low-cost MBRCx plan with an innovative “payment-on-detection” approach can increase effectiveness and customer confidence. Finally, we will present a real-world Fortune-500 project that demonstrates the benefits of clear and actionable MBRCx reporting.