Market Testing of Utilities Costs

9.18  The unit cost of each Utility will be market tested not less than two Payment Periods prior to the end of any Initial Phase and thereafter will be market tested not less than two Payment Periods prior to the end of each Contract Year, or longer as agreed with the Authority The Authority will afford all reasonable assistance to the Contractor to enable it to purchase Utilities through the Authority's existing agreements with Utility suppliers.  The Authority will act as the Contractor's agent in this regard provided that this paragraph does not in any way diminish or excuse the Contractor's responsibility to provide Utilities in accordance with the standard required by this Agreement nor affect the obligation of the Contractor to meet the costs of such Utilities as provided in this Agreement.