by Chris Hargreaves | Jan 25, 2026 | Case Studies, Energy, Solar Power
Overview
Since 2008, Total Utilities has been a trusted energy and procurement partner to Hall’s Group, one of New Zealand’s largest cold chain logistics providers. In 2025, this longstanding partnership reached a major milestone when Total Utilities supported Hall’s adoption of Lodestone Energy’s virtual solar model—an innovative renewable electricity solution designed to reduce emissions, stabilise long-term energy costs, and future-proof the company’s nationwide operations.
Client Background
Hall’s Group, owned by the Talley’s Group, operates a significant refrigerated transport and cold storage network across New Zealand. Its footprint includes:
- Eight cold storage facilities
- Nine logistics depots across both islands
- A fleet of more than 640 specialised vehicles
- Over 700 employees
With major hubs in Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill, Hall’s plays a critical role in maintaining the country’s food supply chain. Its leadership team has a clear long-term strategy: build a more sustainable, cost-efficient logistics network that aligns with customer expectations for low-carbon supply chains.
The Challenge
Hall’s energy demand is both high and mission critical, driven by continuous refrigeration loads across its facilities and vehicle network. The business sought a solution that could:
- Reduce exposure to volatile electricity prices
- Support its sustainability and emissions reduction commitments
- Provide a robust financial pathway for long-term energy planning
- Avoid operational disruption
Given the scale of Hall’s network and its continuous power needs, any solution needed to be reliable, future-oriented, and backed by strong analytical validation.
Total Utilities’ Approach
Total Utilities worked closely with Hall’s executive leadership to design and test a comprehensive financial and strategic business case for adopting Lodestone Energy’s virtual solar model.
Our work included:
1. Long-Term Pricing and Risk Analysis
We modelled long-term electricity cost trajectories and compared renewable supply scenarios against traditional procurement models. This analysis highlighted the pricing stability and hedging benefits of Lodestone’s solar-backed supply.
2. Security and Reliability Assessment
We assessed the operational implications of integrating certified renewable electricity into Hall’s distributed cold chain network, ensuring no compromise to 24/7 refrigeration requirements.
3. Alignment with Sustainability Strategy
We evaluated the emissions reduction benefits in the context of Hall’s wider decarbonisation roadmap and customer-driven expectations for climate-aligned logistics partners.
4. Executive Confidence Building
By presenting evidence-based insights, scenario modelling, and risk mitigation pathways, Total Utilities enabled Hall’s leadership to confidently proceed with a progressive, sector-leading energy purchasing strategy.
The Solution: Lodestone’s Virtual Solar Model
Hall’s entered into a long-term renewable electricity supply agreement with Lodestone Energy, supported by Total Utilities’ commercial and strategic advisory. Lodestone will supply Hall’s through its expanding portfolio of utility-scale solar assets, including:
- The newly commissioned Whitianga solar farm
- The Clandeboye development under construction
- An additional soon-to-be-announced solar site
The agreement enables Hall’s to offset the electricity used across its national operations with fully certified renewable energy, ensuring long-term cost stability and meaningful emissions reduction.
Impact
For Hall’s Group
- Stabilised long-term energy costs through price-certain renewable supply
- Reduced carbon footprint, supporting customer sustainability goals
- Strengthened reputation as a forward-thinking logistics provider
- Future-aligned energy strategy supporting nationwide growth
Chief Executive Gareth McFarlane described the agreement as a natural evolution of Hall’s long-term strategy to build a more sustainable and cost-efficient network—one that “genuinely makes a difference” for both the company and its customers.
For New Zealand’s Renewable Energy Landscape
Hall’s joins a group of major organisations adopting Lodestone’s model, alongside companies such as The Warehouse Group and Ingham’s. This contributes to a pipeline of more than 1,000 GWh of annual solar generation, accelerating access to affordable, low-carbon electricity across the country.
A Strengthened Partnership
For over 15 years, Total Utilities has supported Hall’s with strategic energy procurement and advisory services. This latest project underscores the value of a collaborative, long-term partnership built on trust, shared vision, and a commitment to innovation.
By guiding Hall’s through a rigorous assessment and implementation process, Total Utilities helped the organisation confidently transition to a renewable energy solution that supports both commercial outcomes and New Zealand’s wider low-emissions future.
by Chris Hargreaves | Dec 11, 2025 | Case Studies, Energy, News
Helping Schools Navigate Rising Energy Costs
For over 25 years, Total Utilities has been the leading independent electricity and gas broker for schools throughout New Zealand. We work with schools of all sizes – from small rural schools to some of the largest in the country – ensuring they secure competitive energy contracts and maintain financial stability.
Challenge: Rising Energy Costs
With volatile market conditions and significant shifts in electricity and gas prices, schools face increasing pressure on their operating budgets. Accurate budgeting and competitive energy procurement can make a massive difference, freeing up funds for education rather than utilities.
Success Stories
Auckland Primary School – Electricity Cost Increase Mitigated
An Auckland primary school with a roll of just over 500 students faced an electricity cost increase of 24%. They turned to Total Utilities for assistance. Through our competitive market tender process, we secured a new electricity contract that reduced the increase to 10% and provided longer-term price security.
Auckland Intermediate School – Significant Savings Achieved
An Auckland intermediate school with more than 1,000 students went to market early to take advantage of favourable conditions. Their incumbent retailer’s renewal offer represented a 43% increase compared to current invoiced prices. Total Utilities delivered a new contract that was $45,000 cheaper over three years than the renewal offer.
Waikato High School – Gas Contract Savings
A Waikato high school with 700 students has partnered with Total Utilities for nearly 15 years. When their natural gas contract came up for renewal, they were concerned about the impact of declining gas supplies in New Zealand. Once again, Total Utilities delivered – sourcing a new contract that was $56,000 cheaper over two years than the incumbent retailer’s offer.
Our Approach
At Total Utilities, we believe that securing competitive energy prices for schools frees up budget that can be redirected towards our children’s learning rather than covering operational costs. We also provide annual budgetary advice that accounts for changes in transmission and distribution costs, as well as fluctuations in energy contract prices within a budget year. In a rising market, this is critical for setting accurate budgets.
Partner with Total Utilities
If your school is facing rising energy costs or wants to plan ahead, contact-us/talk to us today. We’ll help you navigate the market and secure the best possible outcomes for your budget.
by Chris Hargreaves | Nov 12, 2025 | Case Studies, Energy
Background
A prominent educational institution in the Waikato operates a large campus with boarding facilities, relying heavily on natural gas for heating and hot water. Energy costs represent a significant portion of its operating budget, making cost control a priority.
The Challenge
As the school’s existing gas contract approached renewal, the incumbent supplier presented a renewal offer. While straightforward, the proposed rates were substantially higher than current market prices. Accepting the offer would have locked the school into two more years of inflated costs, putting pressure on budgets that could otherwise support educational programs.
The school needed:
- A cost-effective solution without sacrificing service quality.
- A smooth transition with minimal administrative burden.
- Confidence that the new contract would remain competitive over time.
The Solution
Total Utilities conducted a comprehensive review of the school’s gas usage and current contract terms. Leveraging market expertise and supplier relationships, the team:
- Benchmarked the incumbent’s renewal offer against competitive market rates.
- Ran a competitive tender process with multiple suppliers.
- Negotiated favorable terms and managed the transition seamlessly.
The Outcome
The new gas supply contract delivered $57,000 in savings over two years compared to the incumbent’s renewal offer. Additional benefits included:
- Transparent pricing and improved contract terms
- Budget certainty with locked-in competitive rates
- Confidence in long-term cost control
Key Insights
- Benchmarking renewal offers can uncover significant savings.
- Competitive tendering drives better pricing and terms.
- Expert procurement support ensures compliance and reduces risk.
“Total Utilities made the process simple and delivered real savings. Their expertise gave us confidence that we were getting the best deal.” – School Business Manager
How Total Utilities Can Help Your Business
Don’t let rising energy costs eat into your bottom line. At Total Utilities, we help Kiwi businesses lock in the most competitive natural gas rates available. Our expert team keeps an eye on market trends, negotiates on your behalf, and makes sure you get the best deal—saving you time and money.
Take control of your energy costs today.
👉 Get in touch with Total Utilities now and start optimising your natural gas pricing to future-proof your business.
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 | Jul 19, 2025 | Case Studies, Energy
🚛 A Strategic Win for Smarter Energy Procurement
At Total Utilities, we’re passionate about helping Kiwi businesses navigate the complexities of energy procurement—especially in a market where prices continue to climb and certainty is hard to come by.
Recently, we partnered with a nationwide truck dealership and service agent facing a familiar challenge: a looming electricity contract renewal with a significant price increase from their existing retailer. With multiple sites across Aotearoa and rising operational costs, they needed a smarter, more strategic approach to energy management.
That’s where we came in.
Through a competitive tender process, market benchmarking, and strategic negotiation, we secured a new electricity contract with an alternate supplier—15% lower than the renewal offer. But the benefits didn’t stop there.
The Results:
✅ 15% reduction in electricity costs
✅ Improved contract terms and flexibility
✅ Enhanced long-term energy certainty across multiple locations
This outcome is a testament to the power of informed decision-making and proactive energy strategy. By leveraging market insights and our deep industry expertise, we helped our client not only save money but also gain confidence in their energy future.
Why It Matters:
Energy is often one of the top operating expenses for businesses, yet many organisations renew contracts without exploring alternatives. In today’s volatile energy landscape, taking a strategic approach can unlock significant savings and resilience.
If your business is approaching a contract renewal or simply wants to understand its energy options better, we’d love to kōrero. Whether you’re a single-site operator or a nationwide enterprise, we’re here to help you make smarter energy decisions.
📣 Let’s Talk
If your business is approaching a contract renewal, managing multiple sites, or simply wants to explore smarter energy options—now is the time to act. Reach out to Total Utilities for a no-obligation kōrero about how we can help you reduce costs, improve certainty, and future-proof your energy strategy.
Stay informed. Stay prepared.
As New Zealand continues its transition to a low-carbon future, Total Utilities will keep bringing you the latest insights and opportunities to stay ahead.
