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What is the difference between electricity and gas procurement

 Electricity procurement revolves around demand patterns, wholesale spot exposure, network charges, and contract timing. Gas procurement is shaped by physical supply constraints, storage access, pipeline capacity, and seasonal price swings. Both share the same label, yet they behave like two entirely different species. A simple way to think about it is this. Electricity is a flow that cannot be stored easily at scale, so prices react almost instantly to demand shifts. Gas is a commodity that can be stored, traded, and physically moved, which creates its own set of behavioural drivers and market quirks. How does electricity procurement actually work? Electricity procurement hinges on understanding demand flexibility and contract structure. Many Australian businesses default to fixed rate contracts because they feel safer. That is a classic example of loss aversion at play. In practice, electricity buyers look at: Peak and off-peak consumption Wholesale market volatility ...

What should a business consider when choosing an energy supplier

 Most owners I work with want one thing. Predictability. Anyone who has opened a surprise electricity bill knows the sinking feeling. So the first question is simple. What level of cost stability do you want? A fixed rate gives clear budgeting. A variable agreement can be cheaper, but exposes you to the swings of the National Electricity Market. Many cafes, workshops and community service providers prefer stability because energy makes up a noticeable slice of overheads. How do contract terms affect long term cost? Energy contracts can hide friction points. Exit fees, demand charges, peak tariffs and load profiles all shift cost. I once worked with a small packaging plant in Victoria that accepted a contract because the headline rate looked sharp. Six months later their demand charges tripled during a heatwave. Check for: Peak and off-peak rates Contract length Volume thresholds Pass through clauses Early exit penalties These points can save real dollars. This...

What is the difference between energy procurement and energy management

 Understanding how businesses control energy costs has become essential in today’s competitive environment. Many companies are now reviewing how they buy energy and how they use it, but the terms energy procurement and energy management are often confused. Although both are important, they play very different roles. This article explains each process in simple terms and shows why they work best when combined. Understanding Energy Procurement Energy procurement refers to the process of sourcing and securing electricity or gas for a business. The goal is to purchase energy at the best available price while choosing contract terms that match the company’s usage patterns. A smart procurement strategy can save significant money over time. Businesses often work with specialists who negotiate with retailers, compare market options, and ensure the company is not overspending. Energy procurement typically includes activities such as market analysis, tendering, supplier negotiation, contr...

Who has the highest electricity prices in Australia?

 Most Aussies have felt that little sting when the power bill arrives. It is the moment you look at the total and wonder how electricity went from being a household essential to a household shocker. The short answer is that some states consistently pay more than others, and a few surprising culprits sit at the top of the list. Right now, South Australia tends to hold the title for the highest electricity prices in the country, followed closely by Queensland and New South Wales. Anyone who has lived through a sticky Adelaide summer with the air con running knows this all too well. Why are electricity prices higher in some states? A mix of supply constraints, network costs, wholesale volatility, and market competition shapes these price differences. Some states rely heavily on interstate supply. Others deal with older grid infrastructure that costs more to maintain. Put simply, the price you pay often depends on where you live, not how much you use. Behavioural economics calls th...

Who are the famous power brokers?

 Why do some people seem to shape entire industries with a single phone call? In energy circles, these figures are known as power brokers, the people who influence prices, negotiate major supply deals, and guide businesses through decisions that can save or cost millions. In short, they sit quietly behind the scenes while shaping outcomes the rest of us feel through our quarterly bills. At a basic level, power brokers are the intermediaries who help large organisations secure better energy rates. They use market knowledge, negotiation skills, and established supplier relationships to deliver savings. Many Australian businesses already rely on them without realising that this group wields far more influence than most imagine. What makes someone a power broker in the energy sector? A power broker earns influence through information, relationships, and timing. Anyone who has worked in commercial energy knows the market moves quickly. Wholesale spikes, regulatory changes, and suppli...

Which Provider Offers the Lowest Standing Charge?

 Some households barely touch their power for days, then cop a bill that feels way out of proportion. Standing charges are the culprit. They tick over daily whether you boil a kettle or not. So the quick answer is simple. The cheapest provider for you is the one with the lowest fixed daily rate in your postcode plus a fair usage tariff. The trick is figuring out who that actually is. Energy plans shift often, and every retailer frames their fees a little differently. Anyone who has tried to compare plans late at night knows it feels like chasing smoke. Yet there are patterns, and with a bit of behavioural insight, you can cut through fast. What exactly is a standing charge and why does it matter? A standing charge is the flat daily fee on your electricity bill. It covers supply costs, poles and wires, admin, and the retailer’s margin. If you are a light user like someone who works long hours or lives alone, the standing charge can outweigh your usage. This is why finding the lo...

What makes Termina different from traditional energy brokers?

 Some brokers chase volume. Others chase commissions. Termina? They’re flipping the script entirely. Where traditional energy brokers operate like middlemen with quotas, Termina positions itself as a strategic partner—grounded in behavioural science, driven by transparency, and built for Australian business owners tired of smoke and mirrors. Let’s break down exactly how—and why—Termina is different. What actually sets Termina apart from old-school energy brokers? Most traditional brokers play from the same dusty playbook: get a client, compare a few retailers, collect the cut. Done. Termina’s model, however, reflects a shift from transactional brokering to behaviour-led strategy . Here’s what makes the difference: Transparent fee structure – No commissions from retailers. Termina charges clients directly, eliminating backdoor deals and misaligned incentives. Energy psychology meets pricing – They blend behavioural economics with market data to find not just the cheape...

How do cafés, restaurants, and shops manage energy usage?

 Why do some cafés seem to glide through their energy bills, while others feel the heat every quarter? It’s not just about cutting costs—it’s about smarter decisions, behavioural shifts, and future-proofing. Here’s how Australia’s cafés, restaurants, and retail shops are mastering their energy usage—and why your next move might not be what you think. How do cafés, restaurants, and shops use energy in the first place? From morning flat whites to evening meals, energy usage in hospitality is relentless. Here's where the bulk of it goes: Refrigeration – Always-on fridges and freezers are energy guzzlers. Cooking equipment – Ovens, grills, fryers, and coffee machines spike demand during service. Lighting – Especially in ambience-focused venues, lighting runs long hours. Air conditioning – Aussie summers demand serious cooling, particularly in front-of-house areas. Point-of-sale systems – Though less obvious, these run all day, every day. Retail shops? Swap out ...

How does energy trading work for dummies?

 Why does energy trading feel like finance’s secret cousin? You’ve heard of it. You kind of know it matters. But how it actually works? That’s the bit that usually escapes explanation—until now. Let’s break it down in simple terms. Think of energy trading as a cross between the stock market and a farmers’ market—only instead of shares or tomatoes, people are buying and selling electricity and gas. And it’s happening every single day, behind the scenes, to make sure your lights turn on and your coffee machine hums at 6:30am sharp. What is energy trading, and why does it exist? At its core, energy trading is the buying and selling of electricity (and gas) between producers and retailers before it reaches you, the consumer. It's a wholesale marketplace that balances supply and demand in real time. In Australia, we use something called the National Electricity Market (NEM), which links five eastern and southern states. It’s one of the world’s most sophisticated electricity market...

What’s the best energy company to invest in?

 Some energy stocks shine because of strong dividends. Others ride the renewables wave. But if you're asking, “What’s the best energy company to invest in?” — the truth is, the answer isn’t just about profits. It’s about timing, transition, and trust. And in Australia’s 2025 market, things are shifting fast. Let’s unpack where the smart money’s going — and how behavioural nudges, market psychology, and pricing signals are shaping investor decisions. TL;DR: Which energy company is the best investment in 2025? There’s no one-size-fits-all winner, but the strongest bets are companies that are: Diversifying into renewables and storage Managing transition risk well (think: carbon pricing, policy shifts) Offering stable dividends in a volatile energy market Trusted by brokers and institutions alike Names like Origin Energy , APA Group , and AGL Energy keep coming up — but savvy investors are also eyeing smaller, agile players in the storage and tech-enabled retail sp...