When Steve Andrew first contracted Total Utilities Management Group to manage his electricity contract renewal he wanted to access cheaper power pricing.  He didn’t expect an $80,000 pay-back from two electricity companies – that was an ‘unexpected bonus’ according to the Manurewa RSA manager. 

Richard Gardiner of TUMG started to talk to Steve about the club’s electricity pricing around 13 years ago and Steve has used the independent utilities broker to renew his power contract and negotiate terms for the club ever since.

“TUMG analysts lay out all the options for me,” said Steve.  “They recommend the best electricity supplier every time we need to renew our contract and their advice has saved the club money every year.

“For the past few years, TUMG has handled our gas contract too.  We’re not a huge gas user but I reckon they cut our gas bill by 30-35% each month – that’s $200 a month we can spend elsewhere.”

About five years into the relationship, TUMG uncovered a billing error.  Manurewa RSA had gone through a major building renovation and the power company put in a new meter.  Unfortunately they forgot to de-commission the existing meter on the old site.

“We didn’t realise it at the time, but we were being charged twice over,” Steve continued.  “When TUMG realised what was happening, they worked out the exact amount over-charged and approached the two power companies concerned with a bill.

“TUMG handled all the negotiations on our behalf and the end result was $80,000 coming back to the club.  The power companies weren’t too happy about it but TUMG’s expertise got a great outcome for us – I’m not sure if I could have got the same result.”

As chairman of the Auckland Club Managers Group, Steve has been happy to recommend TUMG’s services to his fellow managers.  “There aren’t really any downsides.  TUMG charge standard fees which are soon more than covered by the savings the company brings.  It just makes sense.”