Introduction
In today’s volatile energy landscape, cost certainty isn’t just about chasing the lowest rate—it’s about making the right move at the right time. This case study showcases how Energy Intelligence’s strategic procurement and active energy management helped a Commercial & Industrial client in South Australia navigate falling futures with confidence. With an annual load of 5 GWh and market prices on a steady decline, the client faced a pivotal decision: hold off in hopes of further drops or lock in before the tide turned. Through precision timing and market insight, EI delivered not just significant savings—but long-term value.
Client Profile
Sector: Commercial & Industrial
Location: South Australia
Annual Load: 5 GWh
Challenge
The South Australian electricity market is one of the most volatile in the NEM, with futures pricing influenced by a wide range of factors including:
- International fuel dynamics
- Weather-driven demand spikes
- Volatility due to 74% of South Australia’s baseload electricity being generated from renewable sources
- Generator outages (planned and unplanned)
- Policy and regulatory shifts
With futures markets showing consistent downward movement, our client was hesitant to lock in pricing, aiming to maximise savings. But as always in energy markets—timing is everything.
Insight
In early June, our energy analysts identified a sharp dip in the 2026 Cal Base futures—a key inflection point that suggested the downward trend was nearing a floor. Our team flagged that reversal pressure was building, meaning the pricing opportunity could be short-lived.
Action
Upon detecting the price movement, we acted decisively—securing a 24-month contract for our client with a 5 GWh‑per‑year load. This was $143K lower than the offer received from the incumbent retailer.
Soon after, futures rebounded sharply, erasing the dip.
Outcome
- Substantial Cost Savings: Capitalised on a rare market dip to deliver $143K in client savings.
- Price Certainty: Locked in cost stability through to 2026
- Strategic Advantage: A clear demonstration of how data, vigilance, and agility deliver outsized value
- Embedded Network Health: Maintaining the competitiveness of tenant energy offers was critical to preserving the value of the embedded network.
Conclusion
This case is a reminder that an effective energy management strategy isn’t periodic and does not need to be reactive — it now must be proactive. The best outcomes are won not just by going to market, but by knowing when to move. This can only be achieved with diligent and consistent market monitoring and an acute understanding of market pricing triggers and levers.
Whether you’re approaching a contract renewal or just want to benchmark your position, our experienced team of professional energy management experts provides full-market visibility and real-time strategic energy management solutions—before, during, and after the tender.
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