by Chris Hargreaves | Oct 25, 2025 | Case Studies, Energy, Solar Power
Client Overview
Inghams Enterprises is one of New Zealand’s leading poultry producers, operating multiple facilities nationwide. With a strong focus on cost efficiency and sustainability, Inghams aimed to reduce energy costs and improve environmental performance of its energy contracts.
Challenge
Inghams faced rising electricity costs and needed to explore long-term procurement options. The challenge was to identify a solution that balanced:
- Cost certainty
- Sustainability outcomes
- Operational feasibility
Options considered included traditional electricity supply, on-site solar, and market-based renewable energy solutions.
Our Approach
- Detailed financial modelling and market analysis of current and future electricity pricing
- Evaluation of multiple procurement pathways: traditional supply, behind-the-meter solar, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
- Feasibility assessment of a solar farm at the Waitoa site
- Facilitation of direct engagement with Lodestone Energy to structure a tailored long-term supply agreement
PPA Specifics
- Type: Offsite PPA with Lodestone Energy
- Procurement Method: Direct negotiation following market analysis
- Contract Structure: Long-term fixed pricing agreement
- Term Length: Multi-year, designed to deliver price certainty and sustainability benefits
Alternate Solutions Explored
- Behind-the-meter solar farm feasibility study for the Waitoa site
- 25-year financial projection modelling revenue, savings, and risk exposure
Outcome Delivered
- Secured a long-term supply agreement with Lodestone Energy
- Achieved approximately 25% savings compared to traditional market rates
- Enhanced sustainability profile by supporting new renewable generation
- Delivered cost certainty and reduced exposure to market volatility
Lessons Learned & Innovations
- Combining market analysis with feasibility modelling enables informed decision-making
- Early engagement with renewable developers unlocks competitive pricing and tailored solutions
- Long-term PPAs can deliver both financial and environmental benefits when aligned with operational goals
How Total Utilities Can Help Your Business
Whether you’re looking to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability, or secure long-term price certainty, Total Utilities can help. We offer:
👉 Contact us today to explore how we can help your business secure competitive energy contracts and future-proof your energy strategy.
by Renee Jens | Oct 23, 2025 | Energy, News
Renée Jens, Sustainability and Energy Manager at Dominion Salt, is a chemical and process engineer with a Master’s in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science. Her latest paper explores the economic impact of New Zealand’s natural gas shortage—and calls for bold, strategic reform in how the country approaches energy and emissions policy.
Renée’s analysis goes beyond identifying problems. She’s actively advocating for change through two petitions aimed at reshaping New Zealand’s energy strategy and reforming the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
🔑 Structural Reform
Renée argues that New Zealand’s government structure needs simplification. Overlapping and conflicting ministerial portfolios hinder long-term planning. She points to countries like Norway and Singapore as models of efficient governance and strategic foresight.
🔋 A Long-Term Energy Strategy
At the heart of her proposal is a 50-year bipartisan energy plan—one that balances traditional fuels with renewable innovation. Key elements include:
- Continued use of coal, gas, LPG, diesel, and petrol where necessary for energy security and affordability.
- Support for renewables like geothermal, solar, wind, biomass, and emerging technologies (e.g., hydrogen, biogas, small nuclear).
- Infrastructure upgrades to support distributed generation and grid stability.
- Regular reviews to adapt to evolving technologies and energy needs.
🧠 Independent Expert Advisory Panel
Renée proposes the creation of an independent advisory panel made up of representatives from:
- Industry
- Academia
- Technical energy experts
- Finance
- Community
- Policy sectors
This panel would guide and review the national energy strategy, ensuring diverse perspectives and consensus-driven decisions.
💡 ETS Reform
The current Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is under scrutiny. Renée’s paper calls for:
- Removing electricity generation from the ETS to reduce household power bills.
- Allowing businesses to reinvest ETS costs into their own decarbonisation efforts.
- Applying ETS only when viable alternatives exist.
🥕 Incentives Over Penalties
Rather than punitive measures, Renée advocates for targeted funding and incentives—similar to Australia’s approach. Supporting industry and households in their transition is key to achieving meaningful decarbonisation.
🗳️ Support the Petitions
Renée has launched two petitions to drive change:
- 📌 Energy Strategy Petition
Calls for a realistic, long-term energy plan that includes both traditional fuels and renewables, with regional flexibility and innovation.
- 📌 ETS Reform Petition
Challenges the current ETS framework, proposing reforms that reduce costs and empower businesses to invest in sustainable practices.
Renée Jens is urging New Zealanders to support these initiatives and help shape a smarter, more resilient energy future.
👉 #Sign the Energy Strategy Petition
👉 #Sign the ETS Reform Petition
by Chris Hargreaves | Oct 23, 2025 | Case Studies, Panoramic Power
Client Background
A New Zealand local council committed to the sustainable utilisation of natural resources launched an initiative to better understand and manage water usage for irrigation across its recreational parks.
The Challenge
The council faced a significant challenge in monitoring water consumption from boreholes used for park irrigation. Traditional analog water meters required manual readings, which were time-consuming, costly, and lacked real-time visibility. This limited the ability to proactively manage water schedules and detect anomalies in water flow.
Innovative Solution by Total Utilities
Total Utilities (TU) identified a borehole at Scott Street in Hobsonville Point, West Auckland, as an ideal site to pilot its Panoramic Power solution. The goal was to transform the existing analog water meter into a smart, connected device.
What made this solution unique:
- The existing water meter was equipped with a KY pulse output, which TU leveraged to connect its Gateway/Bridge unit.
- This integration enabled real-time data capture and visualisation on TU’s PowerRadar dashboard, displaying:
- Volume (m³)
- Flow rate (m³/h)
Implementation
The installation was carried out by TU’s internal team and took just 2 hours to complete and commission. This rapid deployment demonstrated the simplicity and efficiency of the Panoramic Power solution.
Results
- The council gained remote, real-time visibility into water usage.
- The need for manual meter readings was eliminated, saving both time and operational costs.
- The system provided automated alerts for anomalies, such as:
- Unexpected water flow outside scheduled pumping times.
- Sudden stoppages indicating potential faults.
Impact
With accurate and timely data now at their fingertips, the council can:
- Optimise irrigation schedules based on actual usage.
- Respond quickly to issues, reducing water waste and improving resource management.
- Enhance sustainability efforts by making data-driven decisions.
How Total Utilities Can Help Your Business
Our expert team can help you unlock significant energy savings with a short-term return on investment (ROI). Typically, we can identify up to 25% savings with an ROI of less than 2 years.
We achieve this by conducting a comprehensive site-wide energy audit (Type 1), examining everything from lighting and HVAC systems to chillers, boilers, refrigeration and other energy-intensive systems. Additionally, we install Panoramic Power our non-intrusive energy intelligence system, providing real-time device-level energy data visibility. For more information check out a brief overview of our service here.
Ready to start saving? Contact us today to schedule your energy audit and begin your journey towards greater efficiency and cost savings!
by Pravind Singh | Oct 20, 2025 | Case Studies, Waste
Client Overview
A leading retirement village and aged care provider operating across multiple sites in New Zealand faced rising waste management costs and operational inefficiencies. With a strong commitment to sustainability and resident wellbeing, the organisation engaged Total Utilities to conduct a comprehensive review of their waste and recycling services.
Challenges Identified
- Bin configurations were inconsistent and often not fit for purpose.
- On-site equipment lacked compliance with Health and Safety regulations, posing risks to staff and residents.
- Recycling signage was unclear or absent, leading to low waste diversion rates.
- Rates across sites varied significantly and were not market competitive.
- Collection methodologies were outdated, inconvenient, and not optimised for site layouts.
- Multiple supplier contracts resulted in fragmented service and limited visibility.
- Supplier account management was reactive, with poor reporting and lack of proactive engagement.
Total Utilities’ Approach
Total Utilities initiated a Waste Services RFP process, focusing on:
- Site-Specific Bin Review: Evaluated bin types, sizes, and placement to ensure they were fit for purpose and aligned with actual waste generation patterns.
- Health & Safety Compliance Audit: Assessed all equipment for regulatory compliance, recommending upgrades where necessary to ensure safe handling and accessibility.
- Recycling Engagement Strategy: Introduced clear, consistent signage across all sites to encourage recycling and improve waste diversion rates.
- Market Rate Benchmarking: Compared current rates with market standards, identifying significant opportunities for cost reduction.
- Optimised Collection Methodology: Proposed changes to collection schedules and access points, improving operational efficiency and ease of use for staff.
- Contract Consolidation: Streamlined multiple supplier agreements into a single, integrated contract, reducing administrative burden and improving service consistency.
- Enhanced Supplier Accountability: Implemented structured account management with regular reporting, performance reviews, and proactive issue resolution.
Results Achieved
- 35% reduction in annual waste and recycling costs
- Improved recycling rates through better signage and education
- Enhanced safety and compliance across all sites
- Simplified contract management and improved supplier performance
- Greater visibility and control over waste operations
Conclusion
By taking a holistic and data-driven approach, Total Utilities delivered substantial financial and operational benefits for the aged care provider. The project not only reduced costs but also supported the client’s sustainability goals and improved the living environment for residents.
How Total Utilities Can Help Your Business
Since 2024, the team at Total Utilities successfully managed $24 million worth of Waste and Recycling tenders, achieving impressive savings of $6.3 million for our clients. These savings ranged from as high as 59% to an average of 26% and were made up of better contract terms as well as increased landfill diversion.
If you need further assistance, Total Utilities offers procurement and advisory services to help you evaluate your options and make informed decisions about your waste contracts. Check out our services brochure.
by Chris Hargreaves | Aug 14, 2025 | News
In today’s fast-paced business world, organisations across Aotearoa are relying more than ever on a complex network of vendors and suppliers. After staff costs, the supply chain is often the biggest expense for any business. Yet, many companies struggle to manage these relationships effectively—leading to compliance risks, costly contract breaches, and underperforming suppliers.
While there are plenty of software tools out there, most fall short of delivering a truly integrated solution. What’s missing is a smart combination of technology and expert consulting to help businesses manage vendors and contracts strategically—not just administratively.
What’s the Gap?
The real gap lies in the disconnect between what businesses need and what most tools offer.
Many vendor and contract management platforms are either repurposed CRM systems or basic document storage tools. They might help with workflow automation or compliance tracking, but they often lack:
- Real-time performance monitoring
- Predictive analytics
- Risk mitigation tools
- Visibility into supplier costs, categories, and contract links
These tools tend to operate in silos, leaving businesses without the insights needed to make informed decisions. And without the internal expertise to build a robust vendor strategy, many organisations miss out on cost savings and expose themselves to unnecessary risk.
How Software + Consulting Can Close the Gap
A truly effective solution combines smart software with expert guidance.
On the tech side, imagine tools that offer:
- AI-powered supplier analysis
- Automated compliance alerts
- Dynamic dashboards
- Risk scoring models
Pair that with consulting support to:
- Segment suppliers strategically
- Optimise contract terms
- Establish best-practice onboarding and performance management
This dual approach ensures the technology aligns with your business goals—and that you’re getting the most out of it.
What Happens When the Gap Is Closed?
Closing this gap can transform how your business manages suppliers and contracts.
Benefits include:
- Lower operational risk
- Better compliance
- Cost efficiencies
- Stronger supplier partnerships
With better visibility and analytics, you can negotiate smarter, spot underperformance early, and avoid supply chain disruptions. Plus, you’ll be able to scale your vendor strategy as your business grows or the market shifts.
We Don’t Know What We Don’t Know
There’s a real opportunity here for Kiwi businesses to rethink how they manage vendors and contracts. By combining advanced tech with expert consulting, you can turn supplier relationships into strategic assets that drive competitive advantage.
Start Small, But Start
It’s okay to start small. Begin by reviewing your current supplier and contract management setup. Understand your stakeholders’ needs, identify key risks, and prioritise what matters most.
Then, let’s work together to build a software solution that fits your business.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us today to book a consultation and explore how smarter vendor management can help your business thrive.
by chris | Aug 14, 2025 | News, Vendor Management
In today’s competitive business environment, every dollar saved through smart supplier management goes straight to your bottom line. In contrast, every extra dollar earned through sales only adds a fraction to your profit after costs. Yet, while many businesses invest heavily in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Vendor Relationship Management (VRM) often gets overlooked—missing out on major savings, efficiency gains, and supplier-driven value.
At Total Utilities, we believe it’s time to flip the script. By taking a structured approach to VRM, Kiwi businesses can reduce costs, strengthen supplier relationships, and unlock long-term financial advantages.
Why Vendor Management Matters More Than Ever
While CRM is essential for growing revenue, VRM is just as critical for protecting and enhancing profit. Every dollar saved through better supplier management is a dollar earned—without the overheads.
Strong supplier relationships don’t just lead to better pricing. They also reduce operational risks, improve service levels, and create opportunities for innovation and collaboration. When you give vendor management the same attention as customer management, you’re not just running leaner—you’re running smarter.
Why Now is the Right Time for VRM
Vendor Relationship Management (also known as Supplier Relationship Management or SRM) is gaining momentum across Aotearoa and globally. If you haven’t embraced it yet, now’s the time.
VRM is about more than just managing contracts. It’s about using the right tools, processes, and insights to build stronger, more strategic partnerships with your suppliers. Done well, it helps you unlock value you didn’t even know was there—while reducing costs and improving resilience.
Cutting Costs Where It Counts
Suppliers often account for a significant portion of business expenses—sometimes more than internal costs. That’s why focusing on supplier relationships is one of the most effective ways to reduce spend.
- Negotiate better pricing and terms
- Access exclusive discounts and incentives
- Reduce hidden costs from delays, errors, or inefficiencies
Loyal suppliers are more likely to go the extra mile—offering faster lead times, proactive service, and even value-added extras at no extra cost.
Maximising Value, Not Just Minimising Spend
Vendor management isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about getting the most from every dollar you spend.
With the help of automation and data insights, you can:
- Monitor supplier performance and risk
- Identify trends and opportunities
- Make proactive, informed decisions
When suppliers feel valued and engaged, they’re more likely to prioritise your business, offer competitive pricing, and collaborate on ways to improve performance.
The Bottom Line
Effective vendor management delivers more than operational efficiency—it delivers strategic and financial advantage. It means:
- Lower costs
- Better deals
- Fewer surprises
- Stronger competitive positioning
In short, it’s about working smarter—not harder—to drive profitability.
How Total Utilities Can Help
If this resonates with you, we’re offering a 50% discount on our vendor management consultancy services to the first 10 early adopters.
You’ll work directly with our in-house expert, Cathy Adams, to:
- Optimise supplier relationships
- Reduce costs
- Maximise value
Ready to get started?
Contact us now to claim your discounted consultation and take control of your vendor management strategy.
