by Andy Cooper | Sep 19, 2023 | Carbon Sustainability, News
In a world where businesses are increasingly committed to reducing their carbon footprint and embracing sustainability, the concept of ‘load shifting’ has emerged as a powerful and practical solution.
Load shifting, a strategy that focuses on optimising power consumption during specific times of the day, offers numerous advantages that not only benefit the environment but also boost cost-efficiency.
If you want to have a positive impact on the environment, you should think about changing behaviour. Load shifting can allow you to make a meaningful difference, and it will save you money.
Unlocking savings while helping the environment
Load shifting is essentially the practice of adjusting power consumption to align with periods of lower carbon production. By doing so, businesses reduce their reliance on fossil fuel-based energy generation and minimise the need for costly infrastructure to cope with peak demand.
Peak demand typically occurs in the morning and evening when consumer loads surge, such as when people prepare breakfast and run household appliances. The good news is that power costs less during off-peak hours, offering a significant opportunity for cost savings.
On a larger scale, load shifting can contribute to substantial carbon emissions reduction, impacting both wholesale energy costs and infrastructure investments.
Understanding peak and off peak times
The exact times may differ between plans for small commercial customers, but generally speaking, peak times are Monday to Friday, 7am to 11am and 5pm to 9pm.
How providers choose to offer their off-peak electricity differs. While some opt to provide cheaper rates at any time outside of peak hours, others opt for a day/night plan. On these plans, you only get off-peak electricity rates during the night (11pm to 7am).
Some electricity providers offer three different rates of power, in the form of peak, off-peak and night rates (with nights being the cheapest). Other providers may refer to it as peak, off-peak shoulder, and off-peak. But the principle remains the same: you get cheaper rates during the day and weekends, and the cheapest rates overnight.
Large commercial customers have time of use pricing which has a clear pricing schedule priced in 4 hour blocks during the day. This makes it easier for end users to see when peak periods are.
A Sustainable transition to local renewable energy
As economies transition toward electrification, matching energy demand with clean, locally produced renewable energy becomes paramount. This transition promises to replace offshore, dirty energy sources with more affordable, locally generated renewable power.
Achieving this goal relies on active participation from businesses, innovation within the energy industry (such as automation of electric vehicle charging and battery control), and transparent information sharing with consumers.
A word on certified renewable energy and & offsets
In the quest to reduce carbon emissions, it’s crucial to recognise that purchasing offsets and renewable energy certificates doesn’t cut emissions immediately like load shifting does. Buying offsets merely shifts the carbon burden elsewhere without reducing a company’s actual emissions.
Load shifting offers a real-time solution. By using more power when cleaner sources like hydroelectricity dominate, businesses can lower costs and cut emissions directly. This approach reduces the reliance on fossil fuels, especially during high-demand periods when coal is prevalent, negating the need for costly offsets.
While certificates and offsets have a role, they’re mainly for handling unavoidable emissions. Businesses should prioritise behavioural and efficiency changes to reduce emissions first.
Practical load shifting steps for business
While load shifting is not as simple as purchasing offsets or certified renewable energy, it’s far more attainable than it may initially seem. Businesses can take several practical steps to implement load shifting strategies within their operations.
Simple actions such as adjusting thermostat settings, employing timers for equipment, or optimising refrigeration systems during peak periods can make a significant difference.
Moreover, businesses can explore emerging technologies designed to automate load shifting, making it even more accessible.
By embracing load shifting, businesses can secure substantial cost savings while genuinely benefiting the environment.
Load shifting stands as a powerful strategy for companies committed to making a positive impact on both their bottom line and the planet.
It encourages a shift in behaviour that aligns with the global push towards sustainability, allowing businesses to play a pivotal role in a greener, smarter future.
- Andy Cooper is the Chief Customer Officer from The Energy Collective. Through Total Utilities’ robust collaboration with the Energy Collective and other leading energy retailers, we are empowered to provide our customers with exceptionally competitive pricing.
by Chris Hargreaves | Sep 12, 2023 | Carbon Sustainability, News
In the words of influential French politician and lawyer, Christine Lagarde, who currently holds the position of President of the European Central Bank, it’s high time for businesses to shift their perspective and view sustainability as an investment not a cost:
“Businesses must see sustainability as an investment, not a cost. By adapting and reducing emissions, they can secure long-term success while safeguarding the planet.”
In this era of environmental consciousness and corporate responsibility, let’s delve into 15 key reasons why addressing your carbon footprint isn’t just a good idea – it’s a strategic move that can yield massive benefits:
- Cost Savings: By implementing carbon reduction measures, you can significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower energy bills and operational costs.
- Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility can elevate your brand’s image, attracting eco-conscious customers.
- Competitive Advantage: Businesses with smaller carbon footprints can effortlessly stand out in the market, resonating with eco-conscious consumers and distinguishing themselves from competitors.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting carbon reduction targets ensures compliance with environmental regulations, effectively sidestepping potential fines and legal troubles.
- Risk Mitigation: Reducing reliance on carbon-intensive resources and practices shields your business from the volatility of energy prices and supply chain disruptions.
- Employee Engagement: Engaging in sustainability efforts fosters higher employee morale and satisfaction by aligning with their values and creating a positive workplace culture.
- Innovation and Efficiency: The pursuit of carbon emissions reduction often drives innovation, resulting in streamlined processes and enhanced overall efficiency.
- Resource Optimisation: Carbon reduction initiatives often involve optimising resource use, which can reduce waste, boost operational efficiency, and trim costs.
- Investor Appeal: Investors increasingly favour environmentally responsible companies, making businesses with robust carbon reduction strategies more appealing for investment.
- Long-term Resilience: Proactive measures to combat climate change enhance your business’s long-term resilience, allowing it to adapt to shifting regulatory and market landscapes.
- Supply Chain Benefits: Implementing carbon reduction initiatives within your organisation can inspire suppliers to adopt similar practices, thereby promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain.
- Stakeholder Trust: Transparent efforts to reduce carbon emissions foster trust among stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and local communities.
- Customer Loyalty: Customers are more inclined to support businesses that demonstrate a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, leading to increased customer loyalty.
- Economic Growth: Investing in clean energy and sustainable practices can contribute to the growth of renewable energy industries, creating job opportunities and economic growth.
- Future Proofing: Taking proactive steps to reduce carbon emissions helps businesses safeguard against evolving regulations and changing customer preferences.
Tailored sustainability solutions for your business
By recognising sustainability as an investment, you not only contribute to a greener planet, but also unlock substantial financial, strategic, and reputational rewards.
At Total Utilities, we’re committed to helping you optimise your business and achieve your sustainability goals. Our sustainable energy services are tailored to your unique needs and grounded in a deep understanding of your business’s nuances.
Our mission is to provide practical sustainability planning that not only makes environmental sense, but also solid financial sense, ensuring your business remains resilient and successful in the future.
Groundbreaking carbon management service coming soon!
And in just a matter of weeks, we’re excited to unveil a groundbreaking carbon management service that has the potential to supercharge your carbon reduction efforts tenfold. Stay tuned for updates or reach out to us for more information.
by Chris Hargreaves | Aug 15, 2023 | Carbon Sustainability, News
In the battle against climate change, many businesses are proving that even the tiniest actions can yield colossal results when multiplied by collective action.
From small startups to corporate giants, an array of industries are embracing an arsenal of unassuming tactics which, when combined, pack a serious carbon-reducing punch.
As renowned American historian and social activist Howard Zinn put it:
“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”
Reducing your business’ carbon footprint means taking control of your environmental impact and responsibilities, whilst also discovering hidden inefficiences and cost saving gains you never knew existed.
At Total Utilities, we’re here to support your carbon reduction and energy efficiency efforts, regardless of scale.
So, let’s take a quick glimpse into the world of small changes that can create monumental impact:
Energy efficiency: implementing energy-saving practices like using LED lighting, upgrading to energy efficient appliances, and optimising heating and cooling systems can often lead to immediate energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. Total Utilities has particular expertise in this area and can gather comprehensive insights into where you use energy. We can then analyse data to identify savings opportunities that reduce environmental impact.
Waste reduction and recycling: Establishing comprehensive waste management strategies that include recycling, composting, and minimising waste generation will divert waste from landfills and incineration. Businesses can significantly decrease their carbon footprint by making relatively small changes.
Supply chain optimisation: Collaborating with suppliers who prioritise sustainability, source locally where possible, and streamlining transportation routes helps create a green supply chain that can contribute to carbon reduction across the business ecosystem.
Telecommuting and flexible work: Encouraging remote work and flexible scheduling options for employees reduces the need for daily commutes. This not only cuts down on carbon emissions, but also boosts employee morale and productivity.
Employee awareness and engagement: Educating employees on carbon reduction best practices, such as turning lights off and equipment when not in use, minimising paper usage, recycling, and using reusable containers. Employee involvement fosters a culture of sustainability and collective action.
Total Utilities can advise on all of these carbon saving actions and much more! By focusing on small changes such as these, businesses can achieve substantial progress in carbon footprint reduction without a major upheaval in operations. Additionally, these changes can yield long-term cost savings for your business.
In the arena of carbon reduction, it’s often the little things that make the biggest impact. Substantial carbon reduction doesn’t hinge solely on grand gestures, but relies on the resolve of every business to play its part in emissions reduction and efficiency improvement – all the while reaping the rewards of lowered energy costs.
So, why not get with the programme today and prepare for a new era of carbon reduction success with Total Utilities!
– Stay tuned for a game changing Total Utilities carbon management service, designed to effortlessly measure, reduce and disclose your carbon emissions.
– Contact us today to talk about measuring and reducing your business carbon footprint.
by Chris Hargreaves | Jul 26, 2023 | Carbon Sustainability, Company News, News
From hazy data to mind-boggling calculations and sprawling spreadsheets – measuring your carbon footprint is a daunting task for many businesses. But fear not! Total Utilities is gearing up to help simplify and accelerate your carbon management journey.
In the coming weeks, we will be making an exciting announcement about how we intend to assist businesses to effortlessly measure, reduce and disclose their carbon emissions.
The carbon conundrum
We know that the task of measuring your carbon footprint can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to become tangled in the complexity of the carbon footprint web.
Total Utilities understands these obstacles and is dedicated to helping businesses overcome them while encouraging wider participation in carbon management programs.
Discover hidden cost saving gains
Carbon measurement is no walk in the park with challenges including lack of standardised methodologies for measurement, supply chain complexities, concerns over data reliability, financial constraints – or simply not knowing where to begin.
Our new carbon management service will help you take control of your environmental impact and responsibilities. Additionally, by viewing your business balance sheet through a carbon lens, we can help you discover hidden efficiency and cost saving gains that you never knew existed!
Take control of your environmental impact
In a world that increasingly demands environmental responsibility, the desire to reduce emissions is strong, but the process of measurement is currently a challenging hurdle.
By leveraging our utility management expertise with advanced AI technology and sophisticated software – we believe we are about to deliver something special to the market that will accelerate progress towards net zero.
Stay tuned and prepare to embark on a new era of carbon reduction success with Total Utilities!
by Chris Hargreaves | Oct 7, 2022 | Carbon Sustainability, Energy, News
With prevailing energy market conditions causing sharp price hikes that show no signs of abating – what can you do and who do you turn to for advice and viable solutions?
Since the beginning of 2021, negotiated contract pricing for large commercial customers has increased from 11c/kWh to 18c/kWh for a three year period. This means a customer using one million kWh per year is paying $70,000 more for electricity per year than 19 months ago.
Mass market customers have not been impacted to the same degree with pricing moving from 9c/kWh to 12.5c/kWh.
Rather than bore you with the (too numerous) details and interrelated factors that have caused this unwelcome turn of events, let’s explore the options open to businesses to mitigate sky high energy costs.
Time to turn to the experts?
Many businesses are turning to energy management consultancies to help them navigate the challenging energy markets and provide services to assist them to get the very best deal on their utilities.
They are also hiring consultants to explore sustainable and renewable energy options to help them diversify their energy portfolio and give them maximum bang for their buck in terms of energy efficiency, pricing and carbon liabilities.
But according to Total Utilities Director Chris Hargreaves, it’s a case of ‘buyer beware,’ when it comes to hiring an energy management consultancy. He says the quality of service and outcomes vary dramatically.
“If it was my business, there are only a small handful of organisations I would consider using in New Zealand to obtain energy contracts on my behalf and to have the ability and insight required to properly explore efficiency and sustainable solutions.
“The consultancy industry for energy is not regulated, so effectively anyone can start up a business that offers procurement services,” he says.
Chris advises considering various factors before hiring a consultant, including how many procurements they conduct each year. The energy market is highly dynamic and energy retailers are entering and leaving the market at unprecedented rates and pricing models and practices are changing daily.
If the consultant or advisor you are using is not pricing in the market on a regular basis, then you are likely to get caught out by the market changes. Look for companies conducting over 100 procurement exercises per year (as an example, we average almost 350).
You should also establish whether your consultant reviews the entire market of energy retailers for pricing (we do), or just their favoured few companies (nope, not us).
Also, does your advisor or consultant gather detailed market intelligence to track wholesale pricing and industry developments? Do they warn you of potential ‘gotcha’ clauses to look out for in energy contracts as part of their procurement process? Needless to say, Total Utilities ticks all these boxes.
Aside from engaging a reputable energy management consultancy to help you traverse choppy utility waters, Chris explains there are various ways to hedge against rising costs, to minimise budgetary risk and ensure you comply with regulatory requirements.
Cost saving starts with sustainability & efficiency
He says that first and foremost, now is the time to explore efficiency, sustainability, and low carbon solutions to increase resiliency.
“By exploring sustainable solutions such as LEDs, Renewable Energy Certificates, solar and energy conservation methods, you can achieve short term wins and relief from volatile energy prices, whilst also unlocking long term sustainability benefits and future proofing your business.
“Sustainability not only saves money by creating energy efficiencies, it also decreases your reliance on the grid, so you are no longer at the mercy of volatile energy prices,” he adds.
Keeping the lights on
One of the trends we’re seeing in the industry is a move away from centralised, utility based generation – to so called ‘distributed generation.’ This is a shift from a single source to many sources to allow for increased resiliency and reduced reliance on the grid.
For example, traditionally if the grid goes down, you have no real option to keep your business going. But if you have solar with battery storage, you might be able to keep the lights on until the grid comes back online.
Additionally, you avoid the full impact of market volatility if your energy sources are distributed – it goes back to the wisdom of the old proverb, ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket.’
Talk to us
A great place to start when it comes to navigating the ever-changing energy markets is to talk to our team at Total Utilities. Our data-driven approach, born out of comprehensive investigations and analysis, allows us to carefully tailor energy services and solutions to your business.
With our proven 20 plus years in the energy business, we negotiate over $400 million worth of energy contracts for our clients every year. We can leverage relationships to get you better prices.
Our detailed pricing analysis and tendering services help save time and money by pinpointing the best possible energy contracts and ensuring the most favourable terms and prices.
We put sustainability, cost saving and energy efficiency at the heart of our clients’ businesses, so that they can be both sustainable and highly profitable.
And in this environment, setting sustainability and carbon reduction targets isn’t just about reducing your environmental impact – it simply makes good business sense.
Contact us to find out more about our energy management consultancy services.
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by Jonathan Gardiner | Aug 19, 2022 | Carbon Sustainability, Company News, Energy Attribute Certificates (EAC's), News
Total Utilities Management Group is excited to announce our registration on the ‘New Zealand Energy Certificate System (NZECS)’ – enabling our clients to support renewable generation and reduce their reportable emissions.
Administered and developed by BraveTrace, NZECS allows energy consumers to offset their reportable electricity related greenhouse gas emissions and support renewable energy by buying New Zealand Energy Certificates (NZ-ECs) to redeem against their consumption.
What are New Zealand Energy Certificates (NZ-ECs)? NZ-ECs show how and when energy was generated, and from where. This information is referred to as a ‘generation attribute.’ NZ-ECs can be traded and transferred from electricity generators to electricity retailers, who can ultimately sell these certificates to energy consumers. Through the purchase of a certificate, a consumer ‘reserves’ that unit of generation as their own – enabling them to make a clear statement about the type of electricity that they support.
This means that Total Utilities can now act as an independent broker of NZ-ECs and can buy and trade certificates on behalf of our customers to support them to invest in 100% renewable energy.
Certificates can be used to report zero-carbon electricity usage in accredited Greenhouse Gas Reporting Programmes and are a competitively priced alternative to carbon offsets that also offer the potential for greater impact.
By using Total Utilities as your independent broker for NZ-ECs, you can also be assured of straightforward, flexible contract terms – regardless of whether your energy use is big or small.
Fully Transparent Reporting
New Zealand is a relatively late adopter of a system of tradable energy certificates. Certificates create supply chain transparency with the attributes of each certificate outlining energy generation source, age of the generator and whether or not the generator is certified net zero carbon.
Electricity purchased directly from the grid in New Zealand comes from sources which are on average 80% renewable, however, depending on where and when it is purchased, the actual makeup of energy being delivered can vary sharply. This means that up until now, consumers of electricity had no way to link their consumption directly with a renewable generator.
BraveTrace’s NZ Energy Certificate System changes all this…
NZ-ECs prove that purchased energy is directly tied to a 100% renewable energy generator. They also allow energy consumers to report zero related greenhouse gas emissions and thus, to invest in a sustainable future for New Zealand.
NZ-ECs not only provide a fully transparent method of reporting, but also incentivise generators of renewable energy, who can sell their energy certificates on the open market. Total Utilities currently manages around half a billion dollars per year of utility contracts on behalf of our clients and sustainability has become a major strategic objective for many of these businesses.
We are fully committed to assisting our clients move towards 100% renewable energy, helping them in their journey towards net zero emissions.
Total Utilities Managing Director, Jonathan Gardiner, reacts to our registration on NZECS…
“We thrive on energy competition, and our registration as a participant in the New Zealand certificate market allows our customers to get the best of both worlds – full energy market competition, and quick sustainability wins with New Zealand Energy Certificates.
“By choosing to only offer NZ-ECs from suppliers which meet the strict Toitū Envirocare compliance criteria, our clients can report zero-carbon electricity usage in accredited GHG programmes, be part of New Zealand’s renewable energy future and meet carbon reduction targets.
“Electricity is a major cost and driver of emissions for many of our clients, so providing an independent service to negotiate energy supply contracts along with NZ-ECs means our clients can choose to take energy supply from any retailer whilst also meeting their sustainability goals.
“The certificates help create a circular economy as sellers of certificates are required to invest the revenue they earn from certificates in new renewable generation or decarbonisation projects. Purchasers of certificates are investing in a sustainable future for New Zealand.”
“By being amongst the first NZ-based participants to register on Certified Energy’s NZ Energy Certificate System, Total Utilities underlines our commitment to providing customers with the most powerful tools in their journey towards adopting renewable energy sources and moving towards net zero emissions.”
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