by Jonathan Gardiner | Jul 22, 2024 | Energy, New Zealand Energy Certificates, News, NZ-ECs, solar power, Sustainable Business
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.
by Chris Hargreaves | Jun 25, 2024 | News, Sustainable Business, Waste
As New Zealand moves forward with phased increases in the waste disposal levy over the next three years, your business needs to prepare for significant changes in waste management practices.
On May 31, 2024, the New Zealand government greenlit the second phase of waste disposal levy rate increases, paving the way for incremental changes over the next three years.
This strategic move aims to refine waste management practices and enhance environmental sustainability across the country.
Understanding the Waste Levy
The waste disposal levy, introduced under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, is a fee imposed on waste sent to landfill. The primary goal of the levy is to provide a financial incentive to reduce the amount of waste being disposed of in landfills and to promote recycling and resource recovery efforts.
Revenue from the levy is used to support waste minimisation initiatives, including projects and programmes that improve recycling, composting, and waste reduction.
What You Need to Know
Total Utilities’ Sustainable Process Improvement Manager Pravind Singh explains, “The waste disposal levy is being expanded to cover a wider array of landfill types and waste categories. This includes significant adjustments to levy rates, encouraging businesses and households alike to reconsider their waste management strategies.”
Future Rates for the Waste Disposal Levy (per tonne)
| Facility Class |
Waste Types |
Current |
1 July 2024 |
1 July 2025 |
1 July 2026 |
1 July 2027 |
| Municipal landfill (Class 1) |
Mixed municipal wastes from residential, commercial, and industrial sources |
$50 |
$60 |
$65 |
$70 |
$75 |
| Construction and demolition fill (Class 2) |
Accepts solid waste from construction and demolition activities, including rubble, plasterboard, timber, and other materials |
$20 |
$30 |
$35 |
$40 |
$45 |
| Managed or controlled fill facility (Class 3 and 4) |
Contaminated but non-hazardous soils and other inert materials (e.g., rubble) |
$10 |
$10 |
$15 |
$15 |
$20 |
Source: Ministry for the Environment, April 2021. All amounts expressed in dollars per tonne.
Impact on Businesses
“Businesses must prepare for increased operational costs associated with waste disposal as these levy rates escalate,” advises Pravind.
“Proactive planning and strategic adjustments will be essential to mitigate financial impacts and uphold compliance with evolving regulatory standards.”
Total Utilities: Your Strategic Partner
Total Utilities offers expert guidance and customised solutions to help businesses navigate these regulatory changes effectively. Whether you need assistance in waste audit and management or insights into optimising recycling practices, our team is here to support your sustainability goals.
Contact Us
For personalised advice on preparing for the waste disposal levy changes or to explore our comprehensive waste management services, contact Total Utilities today.
by Chris Hargreaves | May 19, 2024 | Energy, News, Sustainable Business, Waste
Ready for cost-saving solutions? Hear directly from Joanne Gleeson, Office Support Manager at Rinnai NZ, as she shares how Total Utilities Management Group has streamlined contract negotiations and reduced costs for their utility needs since 2012.
‘Total Utilities has been assisting Rinnai NZ in negotiating our electricity/gas (both Natural and LPG) contracts since 2012.
Lately they have also assisted in re-negotiating our waste management contract and this is expected to greatly reduce costs going forward.
Service we receive from Chris Hargreaves, Linda MacIver, and all the team is efficient and professional. It simplifies the process of re-negotiating fresh contracts in an everchanging market. The fee structure Total Utilities offers has flexible options to suit.
The whole process is conducted in a most time manner, from the reminder of terminating contracts coming up, through to receiving the recommendations for renewal.
The contracts provided are clearly tabled and with detailed supporting narrative for us to consider and make the best decisions.
Total Utilities then liaises to assist in the changeover to the new provider and minimises any disruption to our business. The new contract signed by both parties is forwarded to me for reference.
I recommend their expertise to anyone looking to secure utilities contracts that offer the best fit for a company.’
Joanne Gleeson, Rinnai NZ
- Rinnai is a market leader in New Zealand, supplying high-quality home heating, heat pumps, water heating, and commercial heating and cooling products.
- Contact Total Utilities to find out how we can help your business cut utility costs and create a more sustainable future.
by Jonathan Gardiner | May 17, 2024 | Energy, New Zealand Energy Certificates, News, NZ-ECs, Sustainable Business
Total Utilities has taken a pioneering step towards fostering sustainable energy by spearheading the landmark collaboration between Manawa Energy and Southern Spars, an iconic New Zealand company known for its cutting-edge marine spars and rigging.
The project primarily revolved around Total Utilities managing Southern Spars electricity Request for Proposal (RFP) while working in tandem with the selected energy provider, Manawa Energy.
While Southern Spars has been a longstanding procurement client of Total Utilities, this particular energy review was unique as it marked a departure from traditional services and encompassed additional negotiation concerning New Zealand Energy Certificates (NZECS, formally known as renewable energy certificates or RECs).
With a strong sustainability focus, Manawa Energy aimed to complement Southern Spars’ electricity supply with NZECS, presenting an exciting opportunity for Southern Spars to become the inaugural client of Manawa Energy’s Energy Certificate program.
NZ-ECs are tradable certificates, tracking and authenticating the production and consumption of renewable energy. They enable businesses or individuals to reduce the reported carbon emissions associated with their electricity consumption, and support bringing new renewable energy production online, without the need to consume it directly at source.
BraveTrace, which operates the NZECS (New Zealand Energy Certificate System), validates that the electricity consumed by Southern Spars is accurately matched and verified against the renewable electricity produced by Manawa Energy.
Bridging the Gap: Total Utilities’ Innovative Solutions
However, a challenge emerged for Manawa Energy: their equipment required certification before providing NZECS to Southern Spars, while Southern Spars’ current electricity contract was nearing its end. Total Utilities was able to step in to bridge this supply gap by providing third party NZECS until Manawa Energy was able to assume full supply.
“As an early participant in BraveTrace’s (previously Certified Energy) NZ Energy Certificate System, Total Utilities can act as an independent NZECS broker,” explained Total Utilities’ Manager Director, Jonathan Gardiner.
“Total Utilities facilitated NZECS transactions, ensuring uninterrupted energy supply while accommodating timing constraints. Our bridging contracts provided a temporary solution, enabling Southern Spars to transition smoothly to renewable energy procurement from the commencement of the new contract,” he added.
BraveTrace’s new CEO, Shaun Goldsbury, enthusiastically celebrates this major collaboration, “Manawa Energy is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest renewable energy generators and we are delighted to welcome them to the BraveTrace network.
“We are particularly proud of our longstanding relationship with Total Utilities and the exceptional support they have provided to Southern Spars in advancing sustainability practices in the sailing world.”
Through careful coordination, Total Utilities managed the NZECS exchange between Manawa Energy and Southern Spars, ensuring the partnership progressed seamlessly.
Manawa Energy has since registered the Kaimai hydroelectric power scheme as a production device and was able to meet Southern Spars’ needs for the 2024 production year.
The Kaimai scheme is significant in Manawa Energy’s generation portfolio as it not only provides renewable electricity to the Bay of Plenty, but also opens up a superb, accessible recreation area popular for fishing, kayaking, picnicking and running.
Water is released through the Lake McLaren Dam up to 26 days a year, providing high flows for white water kayakers from the Kaimai Canoe Club, and local white water rafting businesses.
Navigating complex utility landscapes
“This partnership underscores our dedication to sustainability and innovation,” emphasised Jonathan. “We’re committed to overcoming obstacles and driving progress in utility management.”
It was a great project to work on, and we thoroughly enjoyed the problem-solving discussions with George Anyon at Southern Spars and Glenn Webley at Manawa Energy. “All three parties had to think creatively and flexibly to get the job done,” he added.
Total Utilities’ successful collaboration underscores its ability to navigate complex utility management landscapes. As the industry evolves, it remains at the forefront, leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.
- For more information about Total Utilities and their sustainable initiatives, contact us today.
by Chris Hargreaves | May 16, 2024 | Energy, News, Sustainable Business
Total Utilities Director, Chris Hargreaves, offers a concise overview of the challenges facing New Zealand’s gas market, as well as practical advice for business customers.
For the past two years, our industry has been sounding the alarm bells about an impending gas supply crisis. However, it’s only recently that the media has begun to pay attention.
Gas plays a crucial role in various sectors, particularly electricity generation and food production. Dwindling domestic gas production has increased the need to import coal for electricity generation. This has pushed industrial and commercial pricing skywards, leaving many of our clients asking how to remain competitive with energy input costs going through the roof.
Securing Contracted Supply – The Urgency of Early Action
The Gas Industry Company is recommending that industrial and commercial customers must take proactive measures.
We agree and strongly advise clients to consider renewing contracts early, due to the likelihood of constrained gas supplies throughout the decade.
By re-contracting early, businesses can mitigate the risk of facing tight supply and demand conditions, which will significantly inflate prices.
Concerns Amplified by Reports
A recent report from the Gas Industry Company paints a concerning picture of gas production levels falling below previous forecasts. With production output falling faster than expected, gas availability will become constrained faster than expected.
Insufficient gas is available to meet contracted demand, raising valid concerns about future reliability. The upward trend in gas prices over the past five years only adds to these worries.
Impact on Consumers
Many businesses across the primary and food production sectors rely on natural gas as part of their production processes.
Moving to alternative energy sources is extremely difficult as biomass supplies in NZ are very tight, and local electricity grid operators don’t necessarily have enough spare capacity to electrify industrial plants.
This is leading some customers to look at large LPG installations as LPG is an import commodity. However, this also has its limits, as port terminal storage for LPG being imported is in short supply.
Our clients are asking us, ‘why have political decisions been made to wind down our gas industry when there are no realistic alternatives?’
Policy Uncertainty Adds Complexity
Policy uncertainty, particularly with the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration implemented in 2018, adds another layer of complexity.
While efforts are underway to reverse this ban, concerns persist over potential policy reversals and their implications for energy investments and supply reliability.
The ban also saw industry expertise move offshore and planned investment curtailed. It’s unclear whether revising the ban will kickstart the industry back into life, as gas producers need long guarantees to ensure they recoup exploration and drilling costs.
Heed Warnings & Weather the Storm
In the face of mounting challenges and uncertainties, the imperative for action cannot be overstated. It’s not merely about addressing immediate concerns but also about shaping a sustainable energy landscape for the future.
By heeding the insights provided and implementing proactive measures without delay, businesses can not only weather the storm but also emerge stronger and more resilient in the evolving energy market.
by Chris Hargreaves | Apr 23, 2024 | Energy, New Zealand Energy Certificates, News, Sustainable Business, Waste
Tired of navigating the murky waters of utility management alone? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, our experts have compiled your most frequently asked questions, and provided you with their expert insights and responses.
Whether you’re curious about energy market trends, utility contract terms and procurement, or sustainability options, we’ve got you covered! Join us as we unlock the mysteries of utility management and empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions for your business.
Utilities Management Questions
Should our new utility contract agreement be shorter or longer term?
The optimal term for your electricity, natural gas, LPG and trade waste procurement agreement depends on various factors, including market conditions and your business objectives. Longer-term contracts can provide price stability and potentially lower rates, while shorter-term agreements offer flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. Total Utilities offers a range of contract terms and provides recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
Should I let my utility contract expire and see what happens in the market?
It is generally not advisable to allow your utility contract to expire without securing a new agreement, as this can expose your business to pricing which may be significantly higher. Waste contracts are often very one sided in favour of the supplier. It is important to ensure that notice is given within the applicable timeframes should rollover clauses exist. Otherwise you could be stuck for a new term on conditions you don’t like. Instead, Total Utilities recommends exploring short-term contracts that provide pricing cover while allowing flexibility to adapt to market changes.
Why should we bother tracking utility costs if we’re in a fixed-term contract?
Monitoring utility usage and costs serves several crucial purposes:
- Identifying areas for potential savings
- Predicting future utility needs
- Improving operational processes and reducing overhead expenses
- Preventing wastage, including excessive utility usage
- Establishing valuable metrics for communicating utility usage throughout your organisation
- Making informed business decisions based on precise and accurate reporting.
Why should I use Total Utilities?
Total Utilities specialises in the energy and gas procurement industry, leveraging over two decades of experience. Completing around 300 market reviews each year, we closely monitor market movements, government policies, and industry trends to provide informed and strategic advice. Our range of services is designed to help businesses optimise their utility costs while ensuring reliable and efficient utility procurement.
What will it cost me?
We offer a range of fee options tailored to your business needs, including annual fees and fixed fees. These fee structures allow you to spread the cost of our services over the term of your contract. Additionally, we provide special pricing for bundled services, ensuring cost-effective solutions for your utility procurement needs.
Energy specific questions
What is happening in the gas market?
The gas market is experiencing a decline in production. Since the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration in 2016, investment in domestic gas infrastructure has dwindled. This is coupled with the sustained decline in production as fields exhaust their resources. According to forecasts by MBIE, gas production is expected to decrease by 30% by the year 2030. This trend has significant implications for businesses reliant on gas, as it may lead to changes in pricing and availability. Short term, market issues are not going away and it remains to be seen whether the new government will look at importing Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) or fast-tracking hydrogen production.
Why aren’t gas suppliers bidding as aggressively as before?
The decrease in gas production and the exit of gas retailers from the market have contributed to a shift in bidding dynamics. Gas suppliers may be more selective in their bidding strategies due to supply constraints and changing market conditions. Additionally, the demand for gas for electricity generation and other purposes further influences bidding behaviour.
Why are energy prices rising in a predominantly hydrogeneration-based market?
Despite being predominantly hydrogeneration-based, energy prices are influenced by the overall cost of generation, including gas and coal. When gas and coal generation is required to meet demand, it can drive up the market price of electricity. Additionally, factors such as emissions trading scheme (ETS) costs contribute to price increases.
Sustainability Questions
How do we reduce our usage and carbon emissions?
Total Utilities recommends a proactive approach to reducing energy usage and carbon emissions. This involves measuring current consumption levels, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing energy efficiency measures. Reduction measures can be prioritised from low cost high impact to high cost low impact. This allows your business to plan and budget for changes that need to be made, ensuring that over time you make improvements and become more commercially and environmentally sustainable.
Is solar a viable option?
The viability of solar energy depends on various factors, including your organisation’s internal rate of return (IRR) and sustainability goals. With current energy pricing, onsite solar installations typically offer a return on investment (ROI) within approximately seven years. However, successful implementation of solar projects also requires careful consideration of factors such as site suitability, financing options, and regulatory requirements, all of which we can advise upon.
Are renewable infrastructures being built?
Yes, there are ongoing efforts to develop renewable energy infrastructure, but progress is often hindered by regulatory challenges, environmental considerations, and supply chain issues. The process of commissioning new renewable generators can be lengthy, typically taking around nine years from planning to completion.
Market Dynamics Questions
When will electricity and gas markets stabilise?
Market stabilisation in the electricity sector is anticipated around 2027/2028, contingent upon significant infrastructure investments and regulatory developments. However, It is likely that natural gas markets will get worse before they get better, if they ever do. Since the ban on offshore exploration, much of our industry expertise has been relocated offshore. Bringing that knowledge back to NZ will be challenging unless the sector has a 10-20-year time horizon for exploration to continue.
Why are price hikes so big?
Factors such as declining gas production and limited electricity generation investment have contributed to significant price increases in the energy market. Additionally, regulatory changes and market dynamics impact pricing, leading to fluctuations and occasional spikes in prices.Waste to landfill pricing has been increasing as New Zealand has limited space in landfill sites. Also government policy has seen increases in the waste levy to incentivise more recycling and less waste ending up in landfill. If you aren’t recycling what you can, you are missing out.
Will utility prices drop?
Forecasts indicate a stabilisation of electricity prices beyond 2027, provided that investments in renewables reduce reliance on coal and gas. However, the timing and extent of price stabilisation depend on various factors, including policy developments, technological advancements, and market dynamics. With the government’s decarbonisation targets we are unlikely to see gas and waste prices falling. The most effective saving is to use less of your utilities where able.
How much can you save me?
Total Utilities works diligently to secure competitive pricing for our clients in a rising market. While we cannot guarantee specific savings, our strategic approach to procurement ensures that your current supplier must compete to retain your business. Additionally, we identify opportunities for cost savings, such as waste reduction, which can lead to significant financial benefits for your organisation.
Industry Insights Questions
How can I manage variable costs?
Total Utilities offers monthly forecasting and budgeting advice to help you manage variable costs effectively. By analysing historical usage data and market trends, we provide insights that enable you to forecast
