Secure Your Energy Future - Before the Gas Crunch Hits
New Zealand businesses face a looming energy crisis. A recent survey by BEC and Optima Energy Management Solutions shows that supply constraints, soaring prices, and contract uncertainty are putting key industries at risk.
The reality for business is stark, with impacts including:
Future viability at risk - Industry experts predict significant supply constraints could impact business viability within 3-5 years, with some sectors already feeling the pressure.
Soaring prices - 36% of users face 20–50% increases; 25% face 50–100%; and some have endured up to 200% hikes. The tolerance of business to further price increase is low.
Contract cliff – With 80% of gas contracts set to expire soon, businesses report little confidence in securing favourable long-term deals.
Harsh survival measures – Businesses are cutting production, reducing staff, and passing rising costs to customers.
Capital barriers – Alternative fuels will be a challenge for some businesses due to high conversion costs or infrastructure limitations.
Our Role in the Transition:
The businesses that emerge strongest from this transition will be those that plan strategically rather than react defensively. Our team has helped manufacturers, processors, and large-scale energy users future-proof their operations with tailored solutions. Additionally, we partner with Optima to establish metering programmes that inform the correct transition pathway. We can work alongside your business to:
Understand transition options – Feasibility studies for biomass (woodchip and pellet), electrification, diesel, LPG and hybrid systems.
Optimise existing operations – Energy efficiency improvements to reduce consumption and exposure to price volatility and process improvements.
Load monitoring – Metering of energy use to understand energy requirements and identifying gaps in data.
Secure funding – Navigate government grants for audits and studies and access to green capital for conversion and infrastructure costs.
Our Three-Step Energy Transition Pathway
We’ve designed a simple framework that meets businesses wherever they are in the journey - from first conversations to full investment planning.
Step 1 - Walk-through Energy Audit
For Businesses at the Start of Their Journey
One of our staff will spend time onsite with your key staff to understand your process, discuss constraints, identify the main energy efficiency opportunities, and chart potential practical technology and renewable energy options to transition away from reticulated gas. Your report will include:
At least three energy efficiency opportunities across all energy types
Practical technology and renewable energy option(s) that could be explored (covering electricity, biofuels and LPG)
Indicative operating energy/cost savings and indicative magnitude of capital required
Recommended next steps and potential transition pathways to explore further
Goods News: EECA can fund 100% of the cost of the walkthrough assessment.
Step 2 - Fuel Options & Energy Efficiency Insights
For Businesses Exploring Options
If you’ve identified your transition pathway but haven’t completed an in-depth analysis, Whirika can bridge the gap. We’ll work with you to examine the available fuel transition options in detail, presenting actionable insights so you can make confident, informed decisions. Our team will spend additional time on-site to assess potential process changes, equipment upgrades, and sub-metering that could boost energy efficiency, reduce demand and ensure your heat plant is correctly sized. Your report will include:
Gas demand profile and observations
Detailed list of energy efficiency opportunities including energy savings, capex and gas reductions.
Process heat integration to recover and reuse heat, identify beneficial heat recovery and system wide improvement that will minimise use of external energy
Assess alternative fuel options in detail including detailed capex, opex (fuel pricing, R&M) and financial analysis
For biomass options, this will include a detailed assessment of your site for technical, space, fuel options and environmental considerations
A comprehensive road map outlining the most economical transition pathway for your business.
EECA will fund up to 40% of the cost of the energy insights report if eligible.
Step 3 – Investment Stage Budget & Implementation Plan
For Businesses Ready to Commit
This stage is for businesses that have chosen a transition pathway or are mid-way through it, and need to fine-tune projects and budgets for board-level investment decisions. It covers all details, including mechanical, electrical, and civil works, pipe connections, project drawings, and tender development, ensuring no budget surprises.
Development of project tender documents
Supplier engagement
Accurate pricing for selected energy solution, including equipment and installation
For biomass this could include fuel tendering
Roadmap for project delivery, including timelines, funding opportunities, and risk management
Delivery of full design drawing to the client
The Window for Strategic Planning Is Narrowing
Energy market volatility isn't temporary - it's the new reality. Businesses that plan strategically will secure supply, stabilise costs, and gain a competitive edge. Get in touch to start planning.
Lloyd McGinty | 021 202 2172