Why are some New Zealand businesses slashing their energy bills while others keep watching costs climb? The answer isn’t about switching providers or installing solar panels. It’s subtler – and much smarter. Many savvy operators are partnering with energy brokers, and if you haven’t yet, you’re probably leaving money on the table.

Let’s break down exactly how these brokers – including the likes of Termina – are reshaping the way Kiwi businesses approach their power costs.

What does an energy broker actually do for NZ businesses?

Energy brokers are independent specialists who negotiate energy contracts on behalf of businesses. They’re not retailers. Think of them more like your business’s energy advocate – someone who understands the market inside-out and uses that knowledge to get you a better deal.

Here’s what a top-tier broker typically handles:

• Market analysis: Keeping tabs on rates, trends, and wholesale pricing shifts.

• Retailer negotiations: Talking directly to suppliers and pushing for competitive rates.

• Usage audits: Reviewing your past energy consumption to identify inefficiencies.

• Contract advice: Making sure you don’t get locked into overpriced or inflexible plans.

They don’t just compare; they strategise. That distinction matters.

How can a broker like Termina help you actually save money?

In New Zealand, energy prices are far from static. Between spot prices, fixed contracts, and regional variability, it’s a headache most business owners don’t have time to decode.

That’s where Termina comes in – brokers who specialise in understanding energy pricing models unique to the Kiwi market.

Let’s use a relatable example.

Say you run a bakery in Dunedin. You’re running ovens from 4 a.m. and keeping fridges humming around the clock. An energy broker would:

• Analyse your peak consumption hours

• Compare retailer tariffs specific to the South Island

• Recommend shifting to a time-of-use plan with cheaper off-peak rates

You keep baking. They keep trimming your costs.

Why not just go direct to the energy retailer?

It’s a bit like going to court without a lawyer – you can, but you’re almost guaranteed to get a worse deal.

Energy retailers are, understandably, focused on margin. Brokers, on the other hand, work for you. Their incentives are aligned with yours: reduce cost, secure value, and simplify the process.

Plus, brokers often have pre-negotiated bulk rates or insider access to limited-time offers that aren’t public. That’s the principle of scarcity (hello Cialdini) in action – fewer spots, better deals, act quickly.

Can brokers help with renewables or sustainability?

Absolutely – and increasingly, they must.

With ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting and carbon audits becoming a feature of even mid-sized businesses, energy brokers have shifted from cost-cutters to strategic partners.

The better ones help you:

• Integrate renewable sources like wind or solar PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements)

• Understand emissions tracking and reduction pathways

• Choose retailers offering carbon offset programs

A decent broker won’t just talk dollars – they’ll talk direction.

Is there any risk in using an energy broker?

That depends on who you use. Like any service, there are tiers.

A few red flags to watch out for:

• Lack of transparency in how they get paid

• One-size-fits-all advice (if they recommend the same retailer every time, run)

• Pushy upsells or long-term contracts without flexibility

Look for brokers who offer flexibility, are upfront about commissions, and have case studies or testimonials from local businesses. Social proof builds trust – and good brokers lean on it, not away from it.

How much can NZ businesses typically save?

Savings can range from 5% to 30%, depending on:

• Your current plan

• Business size and usage patterns

• Location and network charges

In some regions, especially where competition between retailers is high, brokers can secure deeply discounted rates that small businesses would never see directly.

One Auckland-based manufacturing firm reported saving over $14,000 in the first year after switching brokers. That’s not “maybe” money – it’s hire-another-employee money.

Who actually benefits the most?

Energy brokers deliver the most value to:

• Multi-site businesses (retail chains, healthcare, aged care)

• Energy-intensive operations (food production, commercial laundries, workshops)

• SMEs with unpredictable usage patterns

But even a small cafe or boutique gym can benefit – especially if you haven’t reviewed your plan in over 12 months.

In fact, the longer you’ve been loyal to your current retailer, the more likely it is you’re overpaying. Consistency bias is real – and costly.

Do brokers only help once, or is it ongoing?

That’s a critical difference.

Some brokers are purely transactional – set up the deal, take their cut, move on.

Better brokers, like Termina, provide ongoing account management. That means:

• Watching the market on your behalf

• Recommending plan shifts when rates change

• Helping resolve billing issues or outages

This is what nudges businesses into long-term cost efficiency. It’s not just about switching; it’s about staying optimised.

How are energy brokers paid in NZ?

Typically, in one of two ways:

1. Commission-based: The broker gets a fee from the retailer when you sign up.

2. Fee-for-service: You pay the broker directly for their time and expertise.

Neither is inherently bad – just ask. Transparency is the golden rule here.

Can brokers help businesses meet sustainability targets?

Yes – increasingly, this is where they shine.

Brokers can connect businesses with:

• Green energy plans (retailers that invest in renewables)

• Energy efficiency audits and government rebates

• Carbon tracking tools for Scope 2 emissions

This isn’t just about feeling good – it’s about future-proofing your brand and staying ahead of compliance regulations.

For example, New Zealand’s Climate-Related Disclosures regime means larger businesses will need to report emissions from 2024 onward. Brokers can help lay the groundwork, even for smaller suppliers in those supply chains.

Real-world example: How Termina helped a regional business slash costs

A North Island logistics company approached Termina after their electricity bills had ballooned 18% over two years. Their energy usage was split across three depots, and their contract had auto-renewed without review.

Termina:

• Audited usage data from all three sites

• Found that two depots were on outdated tariffs

• Switched them to a blended plan with better off-peak rates

Total estimated annual savings: $9,870

They also helped the company implement energy monitoring tools to avoid future billing blind spots.

FAQs

Do I need to sign a contract with an energy broker?
Some brokers work on a one-off basis, but most offer contract-based services. Just make sure you understand the terms before signing.

Will changing energy plans disrupt my business?
No. Changing retailers is an admin process. Your power stays on – the only thing that changes is the rate and billing.

Can a broker help if I already have a contract?
Yes, especially if you’re nearing renewal. Brokers can also help you negotiate out of uncompetitive terms.

At the end of the day, energy is one of the few business costs you can influence without changing how you operate. And if you’re not using a broker like Termina to guide that journey, you might just be overpaying quietly every month – with no one to tap you on the shoulder.

And sometimes, a small tap makes all the difference.