Introducing Dave Booker: Driving Smarter Utility Savings as Process Improvement Engineer

Introducing Dave Booker: Driving Smarter Utility Savings as Process Improvement Engineer

We’re delighted to welcome Dave Booker to the Total Utilities team as our new Process Improvement Engineer. His expertise will undoubtedly enhance our commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Dave brings decades of experience from industries like pulp, paper and steel, where he’s known for his hands-on approach to solving complex technical problems. 

His background in troubleshooting and strategic process improvements makes him the perfect fit for our goal of delivering smarter, more efficient energy solutions.

At Total Utilities, Dave will focus on optimising our Panoramic Power energy monitoring and intelligence platform, a key tool in tracking energy consumption for our clients. 

His job? To make sure the data captured by these units doesn’t just sit in spreadsheets but becomes a powerful tool to cut costs and improve efficiency. 

Turning Data into Action

“It’s not just about collecting data,” Dave says, “It’s about transforming that data into insights that show clients exactly where they can reduce energy and put their resources to best use.”

With rising power prices and operational costs becoming a major concern for businesses, Dave’s role is more crucial than ever. “What we’re aiming for is visibility,” he adds. “We want to give clients a clear understanding of how their systems are performing, where inefficiencies lie, and what can be done about them—before small issues turn into costly problems.” 

By analysing mechanical performance and predicting failures before they happen, Dave is confident that his work with Panoramic Power will not only prevent breakdowns but also boost long-term sustainability and operational savings.

His practical, methodical approach to problem-solving has been honed through years of experience. His previous roles as a Process Engineer and Technical Superintendent have sharpened his ability to instinctively find solutions, often before the problem fully reveals itself. 

Driving Efficiency, Cutting Costs

Whether it’s transforming raw energy data into useful information or strategically planning capital investments, Dave is always looking for ways to get more with less, ensuring that any investment in technology delivers real, tangible results.

When he’s not busy turning data into action, he’s a keen Harley Davidson enthusiast and also enjoys turning his hand to home improvements. 

We welcome Dave to the team, and look forward to seeing the impact he will make as he applies his expertise to help our clients navigate the challenges of rising operational costs and energy consumption.

  • Ready to optimise your energy usage and cut operational costs? Connect with Dave and the team today to discover how our data-driven solutions can work for you.
Case Study: Turning the Tide: Total Utilities’ Competitive Contracts Reshape a Christchurch College’s Waste Strategy

Case Study: Turning the Tide: Total Utilities’ Competitive Contracts Reshape a Christchurch College’s Waste Strategy

Challenge:

Our College client grappled with waste inefficiencies, unclear pricing, and operational challenges. Transparent pricing and improved collection efficiencies were crucial to optimise waste management.

Solution:

Total Utilities led a transformative initiative with a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The focus was on instilling transparent pricing and enhancing waste collection efficiency. Strategic negotiation secured favourable terms, including transparent pricing, streamlining waste collection for efficiency and sustainability.

Outcome:

Impressive 12% annual savings on waste management costs. Transparent pricing structures provided financial relief and clarity for budget planning. Improved waste collection efficiencies streamlined operations, fostering a more sustainable and cost-effective waste management system.

MD’s Take: Why Rethinking Waste Procurement Could Slash Your Business Costs

MD’s Take: Why Rethinking Waste Procurement Could Slash Your Business Costs

Jonathan Gardiner, Managing Director at Total Utilities, provides his perspective on why rethinking waste procurement is crucial for achieving cost savings and operational efficiency for your business.

As businesses strive to optimise their operations, waste management and procurement often don’t receive the attention they deserve. Yet, effective waste procurement is more than just a compliance requirement—it’s a strategic advantage.

I’ve seen firsthand how companies grapple with several challenges in this area, and addressing these issues is crucial for driving efficiency and cost savings.

Key Pain Points in Waste Procurement

  1. Rising Costs: Transport costs, waste disposal levies, and the cost of carbon liabilities are all on the rise. This financial pressure can strain budgets and affect profitability.
  2. Supplier-Favourable Contracts: Waste contracts often heavily favour suppliers. They may include clauses allowing for sudden increases in inflation, transport costs, and disposal charges, often with short notice and frequent adjustments.
  3. Contract Complexity: Many businesses struggle with the fine print of waste contracts. Understanding how these terms could impact your bottom line is crucial but can be challenging without the right expertise.

How Total Utilities Can Help

At Total Utilities, we specialise in transforming these challenges into opportunities for our clients:

  1. Market-Competitive Pricing: We leverage our extensive market knowledge to secure the best prices and identify waste solutions tailored to your specific needs.
  2. Favourable Contract Terms: Our team is skilled in negotiating waste supply contracts that protect your interests and ensure you’re not burdened by unexpected cost increases.
  3. Cost Reduction and Environmental Impact: By optimising your waste processes, we help you reduce costs and minimise the amount of waste sent to landfills, benefiting both your financials and the environment.
  4. Up-to-Date Insights: We keep a close eye on market trends and government policies, providing you with the latest advice and strategies to stay ahead of changes.
  5. Sustainability Focus: With our finger on the pulse of policy and procurement, we offer smart solutions to enhance your sustainability efforts and contribute to a cleaner, greener planet.
  • If you’re facing challenges in waste procurement and want to explore how we can help optimise your processes and reduce costs, book a free consultation.
Welcome back Euan: A Familiar Face Returns to Software Sales

Welcome back Euan: A Familiar Face Returns to Software Sales

We’re thrilled to welcome back Euan Lamont to Total Utilities as an Account Executive. Euan’s return marks an exciting chapter for us as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings in the utility sector.

Euan first joined us in January 2018 as a Sales Manager for the Lower North Island, a role he held until mid-2022. 

During this period, he focused on energy procurement, working closely with our Auckland team to deliver comprehensive services to our clients. 

Experience & Expertise

Before joining Total Utilities the first time around, Euan gained significant experience working with an electricity retailer, where he collaborated with us on various tenders and procurement projects. His deep understanding of the energy market made his transition to Total Utilities seamless, and he quickly became a key player in our sales team.

In his new role as Account Executive, Euan will leverage his extensive background in all things energy and utilities, coupled with his recent experience in B2B (business to business) SaaS (Software as a Service), to drive our product offerings. 

Driving Innovation

Since 2022, he has been involved in the B2B SaaS sector, focusing on compliance and efficiency-based solutions. “The shift to software sales has been a fascinating journey so far,” he shares. “I’m excited to bring this expertise back to Total Utilities and help our clients navigate these new tools.”

Euan’s return comes at a pivotal time for Total Utilities, as we continue to integrate innovative solutions like Panoramic Power – a real-time energy monitoring system, and Net0 – our advanced AI-first carbon management tool, into our comprehensive services. Both products have been instrumental in helping businesses manage their energy use and carbon emissions.

Euan’s ability to build strong relationships, solve problems, and understand customer needs, will be crucial as we navigate these opportunities.

Game-Changing AI Services

Euan is particularly excited about the potential of Net0 and Panoramic Power to revolutionise how businesses manage their energy use and carbon emissions. “These aren’t just ‘rearview-mirror’ tools for tracking data,” he explains. “They use AI and machine learning to help companies anticipate and proactively manage their energy consumption and carbon footprint. It’s a game-changer.”

As Euan settles back into the team, he says he is eager to contribute to our strategic growth and help our clients achieve their goals. “I’m looking forward to helping our clients reach new heights in their sustainability journeys. Whether it’s enhancing efficiency, cutting costs, or driving innovation, there’s so much potential, and I’m excited to be part of it,” he adds.

Please join us in welcoming Euan back to Total Utilities. We look forward to the innovative contributions he will undoubtedly bring to our clients and our team.

  • Want to contact Euan to discuss how Total Utilities can help your business with innovative energy and carbon management solutions? Email him at [email protected]

Total Utilities to Expand Renewable Energy Offerings with Lodestone Energy

Total Utilities to Expand Renewable Energy Offerings with Lodestone Energy

Total Utilities is proud to announce its latest venture in the renewable energy market: expanding the sale of unbundled Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) through a partnership with Lodestone Energy.

This collaboration underscores Total Utilities’ commitment to sustainability and its
dedication to providing innovative energy solutions to a broader customer base, both now
and into the future.

RECs authenticate the production and consumption of renewable energy. They enable
businesses and individuals to offset the carbon associated with electricity consumption and support the development of new renewable energy projects, without directly utilising the energy at the source.

Positioning for Growth in REC Market

Already established as a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, Total Utilities is
now strategically positioned to meet the increasing demand for RECs and sustainable energy solutions through its partnership with Lodestone Energy.

Jonathan Gardiner, Managing Director of Total Utilities explains, “We’re excited to partner
with Lodestone to expand and enhance our renewable energy offerings. This partnership
builds upon our existing relationships with partners such as Pioneer Energy, to meet the
evolving needs of our clients.

“By integrating Lodestone into our network of REC partners, we are better equipped to
address the growing demand for sustainable solutions.”

Funding Solar development

Jonathan emphasises how purchasing RECs supplied by Lodestone through Total Utilities will contribute directly to the development of solar energy in New Zealand: “Lodestone Energy recently launched the first grid-scale solar farm in Kaitaia. By purchasing RECs supplied by them, our clients can play a pivotal role in funding further solar developments by Lodestone at that scale, directly contributing to New Zealand’s sustainability efforts.”

Furthermore, the partnership with Lodestone Energy opens up opportunities for Total
Utilities to explore new avenues of renewable energy development and expand its portfolio of sustainable energy solutions.

By leveraging Lodestone’s expertise and resources, Total Utilities aims to enhance its ability to meet the diverse needs of its clients and stay at the forefront of the renewable energy industry.

Making a Meaningful Impact

“For businesses looking to make a meaningful impact on sustainability and support the
growth of renewable energy in New Zealand, Total Utilities’ expanded offerings of RECs
provide a valuable opportunity.”

“By partnering with Total Utilities and purchasing RECs supplied by Lodestone Energy,
businesses can demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and can
directly assist in bringing new renewable generation energy projects into the New Zealand market” Jonathan adds.

  • For more information about Total Utilities’ expanded renewable energy offerings
    and its partnership with Lodestone Energy, contact us today.