Industries
Manufacturing
Energy strategy for Australian manufacturers: market-timed procurement, tariff work, solar and net-zero roadmaps that cut cost per unit.
For many manufacturers, energy is the largest cost outside payroll.
Exposure to market volatility
Wholesale spot prices swung roughly threefold within 2025 alone. A badly timed renewal flows straight into cost of goods: one regional food processor was facing a 23% increase before we took them to market early.
Demand, network and tariff complexity
Peak demand charges, network tariff assignment and power factor are routinely wrong or unoptimised, and quietly expensive.
Costs are hard to pass on
When manufacturers were surveyed during the 2022 price shock, most reported significant negative effects from rising energy prices and only about one in six could substantively pass the costs on. The rest came out of margin.
Capital competes with production
Solar and efficiency stack up on paper, but capital is committed to plant and production. Funding structure matters as much as the technology.
How Utilizer supports manufacturers
- Strategic procurement. Full-market tenders across tier-one retailers, including high-voltage and industrial supply, timed against wholesale conditions, as we did to shield a food processor from a 23% cost increase. We manage significant portfolio spends on an ongoing basis across heavy industry and food manufacturing.
- Site and operational analytics. Demand analysis, network tariff work and invoice validation, plus site-level analytics that help operational teams understand the energy efficiency of each site relative to its production, through the Empower Portal.
- Solar and battery projects. Large behind-the-meter programs, including systems on single sites, with battery storage, sized to your load profile and structured to protect capital, from power purchase agreements to owned assets.
- Advisory and net-zero strategy. A practical transition to renewables, with roadmaps that sequence procurement, efficiency and generation so emissions targets and cost targets pull in the same direction.
- >$15m
- projected savings for a large agricultural manufacturer through an on-site solar solution
- 35%
- scope 2 emissions reduction for a large agricultural manufacturer
- 23%
- cost increase avoided for a regional food processor by going to market early
Frequently asked questions
Can you help us understand energy use per unit of production?
Yes. Our site and operational analytics relate each site's energy consumption to its output, so operational teams can see which sites and lines are efficient and which are costing margin.
We're on a high-voltage supply. Does that change the approach?
It changes the opportunities. High-voltage and industrial sites have more tariff, demand and contract structures to work with, and it's where our reviews typically find the most value.
Is on-site solar practical for a manufacturing load?
Often, yes. We structure large behind-the-meter solar and battery projects around your load profile and capital position, from power purchase agreements through to owned assets.
Find out what your energy really costs per unit of output.
We'll review your contracts, tariffs and load profile and give you the full picture of where the savings are, before your next renewal locks them out. More power to you.
How we help
Energy Procurement
Our transparent and independent energy procurement services go well beyond comparing providers and mere rate comparisons. We’ve got the industry’s leading team of experts on our side, delivering proven, tailored strategies that meet your energy requirements and significantly benefit your bottom line.
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Energy Management & Analytics
Streamline your energy management and take control of cost, risk and administration. From managing utility accounts to validating invoices, optimising network spend and resolving issues, our energy management solutions not only save you time but unlock substantial financial benefits for your business. It’s time to put you back in control of your energy.
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Renewables & Energy Efficiency
Empower your business with our comprehensive suite of tailored sustainable energy solutions. Whether you require immediate impact or a strategic, long-term plan, our bespoke, cost-effective solutions ensure your net-zero targets, ESG credentials, and sustainability goals are well within reach.
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Advisory & Consulting
Whatever your energy goals, our expert advice supports you to achieve them. Our advisory and consulting services ensure your business stays ahead of the market while reducing costs, improving energy efficiency, and strengthening your ESG credentials.
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Talk to an energy expert who knows your industry
Speak with an independent Utilizer consultant about the pressures and opportunities specific to your sector. No obligation — just clear advice.