by Chris Hargreaves | May 19, 2024 | Carbon Sustainability, Energy, News, 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 Chris Hargreaves | Apr 23, 2024 | Carbon Sustainability, Energy, Energy Attribute Certificates (EAC's), News, 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
by Chris Hargreaves | Mar 14, 2024 | Carbon Sustainability, News, Waste
Are you ready to take your business to the next level of sustainability and efficiency? Take a look at our game-changing waste reduction service, detailed in our brand new ‘Waste Reduction’ brochure.
Designed with your success in mind, our waste management service is here to help you transform the way you approach waste and sustainability while optimising your costs.
Experience Integrated Waste Reporting
Say goodbye to generic waste reporting and embrace a tailored approach with Total Utilities’ Integrated Waste Reporting. Our cutting-edge tools seamlessly integrate waste metrics with your electricity, natural gas, and LPG data through the Utility Insights platform.
This means you get a comprehensive overview of your utility consumption and spend, enabling you to make informed decisions that drive efficiency for your unique business needs.
We understand that true efficiency involves more than just numbers. Total Utilities offers hands-on waste solutions, starting with comprehensive waste audits that analyse your site and waste output.
But that’s not all – we also provide tailored waste education to foster better recycling habits within your organisation. By involving senior management, we ensure everyone is on board with sustainable waste management practices.
Strategic Solutions
At Total Utilities, we take a strategic approach to meet your waste management needs. Our waste review and waste procurement services involve detailed analysis of your current services.
Through expertly managed RFP bid processes, we secure competitive proposals tailored to your business’s unique requirements. Our solutions not only meet immediate needs but also propel sustainable practices for your future success.
Your Success is Our Priority
Optimising cost savings, meeting environmental standards, demonstrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), maximising recycling, mitigating risks, engaging your employees in an eco-friendly workplace – these are the key drivers that set Total Utilities apart.
We are committed to driving transparent reporting and enabling accurate carbon reporting, ensuring your business stands out as a leader in sustainability.
Real-World Success Stories
Discover real-world benefits through inspiring success stories featured in our brochure. From saving $105,000 annually for a leading hotel group to slashing costs by $27,842 for a prominent NZ bakery, Total Utilities consistently delivers remarkable results.
Our strategic waste management solutions not only drive financial savings but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
Partner with Total Utilities
Ready to unlock the full potential of your waste reduction journey? Total Utilities invites your business to join us in revolutionising your waste management strategy.
Explore our new waste brochure or contact us to see how our transformative waste management solutions can help reshape your approach to sustainability.
by Chris Hargreaves | Jan 23, 2024 | Carbon Sustainability, News, Waste
When it comes to waste management, businesses are seeking solutions that not only support their sustainability goals but also offer tangible benefits.
Total Utilities’ Sustainable Business Improvement Manager Pravind Singh explains that Total Utilities is working to reshape business waste practices whilst keeping a sharp eye on delivering great value to its customers.
“Our mission is simple – to redefine waste management in a way that makes sense for our customers. It’s about going beyond services and ensuring businesses see real value in what we offer.”
“We understand that our customers want to demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) without compromising financial outcomes. Our commitment is to find solutions that strike that delicate balance, ensuring that sustainability is an investment, not an expense.”
Empowering businesses with compelling services
Pravind explains that Total Utilities offerings comprise integrated waste reporting, waste audits and overseeing highly competitive RFP bid processes for your waste services.
“Our advanced waste reporting tools are designed to empower businesses. By seamlessly integrating waste metrics with energy consumption data, we provide insights that lead to tangible improvements in operational efficiency, which, in turn, means cost savings for our customers.”
“Waste audits follow a similarly customer-centric approach, and are about more than just compliance. They offer a deep-dive into understanding each business’s unique needs, allowing us to make recommendations that will bring direct benefit to your operations.”
“Finally, our waste procurement service is designed to align with our customers’ goals. It’s not just about securing the best deal; it’s about securing the most sustainable solution that contributes positively to our customers’ long-term success.”
Showcase your sustainability commitment
Pravind emphasises that meeting environmental standards through responsible landfill diversion solutions is more than just a checklist item – it’s a chance for businesses to protect the environment whilst showcasing their commitment to sustainability.
“In today’s business landscape, where being environmentally responsible matters, compliance isn’t just about following the rules; it’s an opportunity for businesses to demonstrate their dedication to the environment.”
“This not only benefits the planet but also enhances a company’s reputation. People notice and appreciate when a company acts responsibly, building trust and goodwill in your brand.”
“At Total Utilities, we see every challenge as an opportunity and our goal is simple – to provide waste solutions that make sense for our customers.”
“Environmental responsibility, practical waste solutions, and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. We work to seamlessly align them to ensure our customers’ ongoing success,” adds Pravind.
Find out more:
by Chris Hargreaves | Jan 23, 2024 | Carbon Sustainability, Case Studies, Waste
Client: Prominent hotel & entertainment group
The challenge: waste overload
When a renowned hotel group faced a waste management challenge across multiple locations, the problem was clear — too many suppliers, unclear reporting, and a hefty price tag. They needed a solution to streamline operations, reduce costs, and align with sustainability goals.
Our solution: nationwide RFP, supplier consolidation, and purposeful reuse
Total Utilities tackled the challenge comprehensively. Initiating a nationwide Request for Proposal (RFP) for various hotel sites, we aimed to consolidate services to two suppliers, enhancing engagement and simplifying reporting.
Simultaneously, during hotel refurbishments, we facilitated a connection between the hotel and ‘Free For All,’ a charity specialising in furnishing homes for families in need. The hotel embraced the opportunity to redirect materials from landfill to meaningful reuse, creating a sustainable and purposeful solution.
The outcome: a greener, leaner, and more compassionate future
The hotel group experienced significant savings of $105,000 annually – an impressive 21% reduction in spend – ensuring a greener and more sustainable waste management future.
The commitment to fixed pricing, transparent reporting, and supplier engagement not only simplified invoicing but also contributed to the group’s broader sustainability goals.
Simultaneously, the hotel’s decision to repurpose materials made a positive impact on both the environment and needy families.
This commitment to sustainability extended beyond financial savings, creating a ripple effect of positive change within and beyond the hotel’s walls.
These impressive results show that smart waste management isn’t just a cost-saver; it’s a game-changer for your business, a win for the environment, and can provide real and measurable benefits for your local community.
Learn more
Contact us to find out more about our Waste Management service.
by Chris Hargreaves | Dec 6, 2023 | Carbon Sustainability, News, Waste
Welcome Pravind Singh, our new Sustainable Business Improvement Manager, spearheading our mission to create a greener business landscape! Discover how Pravind and Total Utilities can transform your business’s waste management by booking your free waste consultation today!
With an impressive background in sustainability, waste management, recycling and accounting, Pravind will be leading the charge as we continue to develop and refine our waste reduction service offerings.
He arrives brimming with experience and is dedicated to steering your business toward a greener, more efficient future.
Solutions-focused approach
Pravind’s mission is clear: to help businesses like yours save money while embracing eco-friendly practices.
His knack for connecting with people and his solutions-focused approach have been instrumental in transforming projects, aligning them with sustainability goals, and delivering impressive, measurable results.
In his previous roles as Key Account Manager for both Waste Management and Reclaim, Pravind demonstrated exceptional acumen in transforming projects, yielding both significant savings and innovative solutions.
At Total Utilities, Pravind will oversee and optimise waste services and initiatives for the business, including waste reviews, managing waste RFPs, conducting audits, integrated waste reporting, and handling commercial cleaning services RFP management.
Passionate about impact
“I’m excited to be joining Total Utilities on a permanent basis,’ says Pravind. “I’ve been contracting with the team for many years now, so this is a chance to apply my industry background and waste and recycling experience to make a real impact.”
“My passion lies in connecting with people and delivering results that drive savings, promote sustainability, and reduce waste.”
“Understanding each client’s unique needs allows us to tailor strategies that truly benefit each business, ensuring the best results that meet or exceed their objectives,” he adds.
Outside of the office, Pravind wears many hats! He’s not just a committed family man with a wife and young daughter, but he is also deeply involved in his local community.
A past president of Rotary Club, he also keeps himself busy volunteering at Hospice, serving as a Justice of the Peace and mentoring a school entrepreneurial programme! He enjoys honing his public speaking skills, and connecting with people at every level.
How Total Utilities Can Help
Total Utilities is dedicated to assisting you in reviewing your current waste contracts, focusing on pricing, efficiencies, and diversion rates. We offer advisory services to help you evaluate your options and find solutions for increased diversions, enabling you to make informed decisions about your waste contracts.
By staying proactive and informed, you can better manage your waste contracts, optimise costs and efficiencies, and make strategic decisions for your business’s future.
Discover how Total Utilities can help you streamline your Waste Procurement, reduce costs, and provide comprehensive reporting.
