01 Why the right partner matters
Industrial laser cutting sparks
Zembl Everything energy

Everything
Commercial
& Industrial
energy

An energy management guide for big businesses

In this guide

  1. 01

    Why the right energy partner matters

    • Complexity is the constant
    • 7 pressure points for businesses
  2. 02

    Everything energy

    • What it means for your business
    • Three pillars working as one
    • 3 energy efficiency wins for all businesses
  3. 03

    Energy procurement done right

    • Beyond best price from day one
    • Why it's better than going alone
    • Zembl energy procurement steps
  4. 04

    6 things you get in-contract

    • What a Network Tariff Review can return
    • Reporting your stakeholders will trust
  5. 05

    Efficiency beyond the bill

    • Solutions that pay you back
    • The Zembl efficiency suite
  6. 06

    Intelligence with the Zembl portal

    • See your data, store every bill
    • Turn your energy data into actionable insights
  7. 07

    Ready to pitch

    • Why Zembl, the numbers and key facts

Why the right energy partner matters

If you look after energy for a business that consumes a significant amount of energy, you already know it isn't a back-office problem. Without the right energy partner, the cost to your business can be time, leverage, and the chance to turn energy into a strategic advantage.

Complexity is the constant

Those looking after energy for large businesses carry a heavy load. Wholesale prices swing daily. Network tariffs change. ESG reporting tightens. And finance teams expect forecasts that hold up to scrutiny months ahead, across dozens, hundreds, or thousands of meters.

It's a brief that requires specialists, and timeliness. The businesses winning at energy aren't doing it alone. They've partnered with experts who live in the market, anticipate change, and have the negotiating power and tools to translate volatility into value.

And then of course there's the energy market, with volatility often meaning it's hard to predict how much your business's energy usage will impact your bottom line from one year to the next.

The wrong energy partner doesn't just cost you cents per kWh. They cost you time, leverage and your energy efficiency opportunity.

7 energy pressure points for businesses

Unlike small businesses, for larger commercial and industrial (C&I) sites (those that consume around 100 MWh per annum or spend more than $3,000 per month on energy), procurement carries both technical and financial weight. Here are seven of the pressures we hear most often.

01 Wholesale market volatility

Prices move daily. Macro trends and political events cause unexpected change. Retailers price on market dynamics: forward curves, hedge costs, risk positions, forecast consumption. Keeping up isn't a once-a-year task; it never stops.

02 Energy complexity

Different states, retailers, tariffs, contract end-dates and meter types all need tracking. One missed renewal can drop a site onto a default rate overnight, causing sudden fluctuations in business cost.

03 Internal governance

CFOs want forecast certainty. Operations want continuity. Sustainability wants greener supply. Speaking three dialects at once is part of the job, yet energy renewal is often a once-every-contract scramble, rather than an ongoing strategy.

04 ESG and reporting

NABERS, Climate Active and mandatory climate disclosure keep raising the bar, and the energy team is usually first asked to prove the numbers. Gathering defensible data can be a multi-layered admin affair.

05 Demand and capacity

Aging infrastructure and evolving operational pressures quietly impact peak demand and capacity charges. Without analytics, the leaks stay invisible until the increased bill arrives.

06 Tariff and network change

Network tariffs evolve, time-of-use windows shift, and new charges appear. Staying current is a job by itself.

07 Energy efficiency transition

Solar, batteries, EV charging, heat pumps, LED lighting: most businesses want to be as efficient as possible, yet every business case requires modeling, vendor due diligence and up-the-line approval.

Dairy cows feeding in a barn
Energy story

Burnfarmers saves $119K^

"We are a dairy farm, so a big consumer of power, and energy pricing impacts our business heavily."

Burnfarmers, a leading Australian dairy farm, overcame surging energy prices with Zembl's tailored energy solutions. Thanks to a partnership with EastAusMilk, Zembl helped secure $119,000 in cost savings, delivering fast, efficient service and improved operational efficiency.

Zembl began by engaging with Burnfarmers to understand their specific energy requirements and operational challenges. Leveraging their expert knowledge of the energy market, Zembl sought out a competitive energy deal tailored to the farm's needs.

The results speak for themselves. Burnfarmers achieved $119,000^ in energy bill savings throughout the duration of their contract, an incredible outcome that improved cost predictability and operational efficiency.

^Savings are estimates only and are based on comparing the customer's previous energy rates with the new rates arranged through Zembl, using the customer's historical usage data. Actual savings may vary depending on changes to energy usage, future rates, and other factors outside of Zembl's control. Past savings are not a guarantee of future outcomes.

Everything energy

At Zembl, we believe energy is bigger than the bill. Choose us as your partner and you don't just secure a competitive contract: you get a team that delivers savings, intelligence and efficiency together. We call it Everything Energy.

What it means for your business

Energy procurement deserves more than a broker who stops at the signature. It deserves a partner who looks at your energy potential holistically and for ways to optimise it, ongoing for the life of your contract.

Three pillars working as one

Each pillar stands on its own. Together they unlock the full potential of your business's energy.

Energy procurement

In-depth tendering to secure competitive rates from a leading retailer network, followed by ongoing in-contract service.

Energy support

Analytics, expense forecasting and reporting through your Zembl Energy Portal, delivered by your dedicated Account Manager.

Energy efficiency solutions

A trusted partner network, from solar and batteries to LEDs and power factor correction, helping you use less and pay less, year on year.

3 wins of energy efficiency for all businesses

Cost savings

The most enticing aspect of energy efficiency initiatives is the potential financial savings. Simple changes, from updating lighting systems to upgrading equipment or simply turning off machines at the wall, can make a huge impact on the bottom line.

Environmental benefits

Reduction in energy consumption translates to a decline in greenhouse gas emissions, and a lighter carbon footprint. In an era where corporate social responsibility matters, these eco-credentials are invaluable, and all the better if achieved while saving money.

Brand appeal

When brands overtly promote energy efficiency, they don't just save money. They show the world they're forward-thinking and responsible. Today's consumer puts environmentally active brands highest on their purchase consideration list.

Energy procurement done right

For more than 15 years, Zembl has helped Australian businesses secure better energy contracts. We're the market leader by tender volume, with over 6,500^ commercial energy users have trusted us to negotiate on their behalf. But what happens after the contract is signed is where great results are realised.

Beyond best price on day one

A competitive rate on day one is the easy part. The hard part is keeping that rate working for you across every site, meter and renewal cycle for the life of the contract. Bills present inaccuracies. Tariffs change. New sites are added. Old sites close. Without an active partner, savings quietly leak away, and the work to claw them back lands on your desk.

That's why Zembl delivers a supportive in-contract service. Every customer gets a dedicated Account Manager backed by a team of local energy experts.

They're not a call centre. They're a small, named group of energy specialists who know your portfolio, anticipate your renewals, and pick up the phone when something looks off.

Illuminated light bulb beside stacked coins

Zembl energy procurement steps

We support everything in the procurement process, and all we need from you is a quick signature to kick things off.

01

Sign an LOA

A Letter of Authority that gives us permission to go to market on your behalf.

02

We go to market

We do all the legwork to secure commercial energy prices from our trusted retailer panel via an in-depth, cost- and obligation-free tendering service.

03

Review & switch

The best options are presented to you, and once you're happy we act on your behalf with your chosen retailer to set your new contract in motion.

04

Renewal o'clock

13 months out from renewal, we start engaging with you to ensure your next energy contract is a competitive one that works for your business.

Building a long-term energy relationship with an expert means your procurement isn't reactive, it's strategic.
Zembl energy specialist

Why it's better than going alone

Accuracy: having an energy partner means you constantly have an expert in your corner, not just spotting errors but correcting them on your behalf.

Optimisation: when business loads or energy tariffs change, they don't quietly gnaw at your bottom line; they get noticed and acted on, saving thousands in unnecessary cost.

Long-view gains: building a long-term energy relationship means your procurement isn't reactive, it's strategic, and gets even more so over time.

6 things you get in-contract

Our in-contract service isn't feel-good fluff: it's genuine focus, support and proactivity on your energy account, returning tens of thousands to the bottom lines of the businesses we work with every month.

01

Account management

A named local team with deep expertise in Australian commercial energy markets (not overseas, not a call centre).

02

Bi-annual bill validation

Every six months we confirm charges, flag errors and execute any retailer adjustments needed.

03

Annual Network Tariff Review

Every year we review your network tariffs to confirm you're on the most cost-effective option for your usage profile.

04

Energy expense forecasting

Annualised consumption forecasting reports to support budgeting and reduce surprises at key reporting periods.

05

Dedicated Energy Portal access

A single login for consumption dashboards, expense reports and meter-level insights, and one reliable home for every retailer bill.

06

Energy optimisation

Proactive identification of energy efficiency opportunities, grounded in real-time data and consumption trends specific to your sites.

Energy optimisation

What a Network Tariff Review can return

$0K^
Identified savings
across 148 C&I sites
$0^
Total potential savings unlocked across 7 months
0^
C&I sites with a completed Network Tariff Review
$0^
Average annual saving per site reviewed

^Based on Zembl's Australian commercial and industrial customers and represents annual potential energy savings through Zembl's annual Network Tariff Review service from 1 March 2025 – 30 September 2025 including GST. Savings vary based on individual site usage, network tariff structure, and distributor pricing.

Efficiency beyond the bill

The cheapest kilowatt is the one you don't use, and the businesses that get serious about energy efficiency compound those savings for years. Zembl's Energy Efficiency pillar helps you find and finish the upgrades that pay the business back.

We use our knowledge of your energy account to identify tailored opportunities: a solar and battery installation, an LED lighting upgrade, a heat pump replacement, or power factor correction at your worst-performing site. We then connect you with a small group of vetted partners, staying connected until the service is executed and you're happy with the outcome.

Our suitability assessments are grounded in your actual usage data: that's how we make recommendations you can defend at board level. No generic brochures. No solar pitch if your site's not suited to it. Every initiative starts from your meter data and your goals, then maps to a vendor and an ROI you can put in front of your CFO with confidence.

The Zembl efficiency suite

A six-strong toolkit, available to every Zembl customer, scoped to your network and prioritised by impact. We help you see the opportunity. Then we help you act on it.

01

Solar & battery storage

Solar to offset daytime usage. Batteries to ride out peak charges. Modeled against your actual consumption profile.

02

Energy audits

On-site or remote audits to identify the leaks, anomalies and opportunities that don't show on a tariff sheet.

03

LED lighting upgrades

High-impact, fast-payback retrofits, often delivering 40–60% reduction in lighting energy costs.

04

Heat pumps

Replace gas-fired hot water and HVAC with efficient electric alternatives that cut both energy costs and emissions.

05

Power factor correction

Reduce reactive power penalties and improve your site's electrical efficiency, often overlooked and always impactful.

06

Suitability assessment

Before any recommendation, we run a data-led suitability check so every initiative is grounded in your actual load profile.

Efficiency solutions are delivered through Zembl's trusted partner network. Zembl introduces and supports the process; solutions are delivered by accredited third-party specialists.

Tresillian heritage building
Energy story

$16K^ savings + $19.6K solar rebate

"Zembl made the whole process straightforward, from procurement through to the solar installation."

Tresillian, a heritage-listed venue in Sydney, partnered with Zembl to take control of their energy costs across a complex, multi-tenanted site. Zembl secured a competitive energy contract delivering $16,000^ in annual savings, then identified and delivered a solar installation that attracted a $19,600 rebate, dramatically reducing the payback period.

The combination of procurement savings and efficiency upgrades gave Tresillian's management team full visibility over their energy spend for the first time, with a clear roadmap for ongoing optimisation.

^Savings are estimates only and are based on comparing the customer's previous energy rates with the new rates arranged through Zembl, using the customer's historical usage data. Actual savings may vary depending on changes to energy usage, future rates, and other factors outside of Zembl's control. Past savings are not a guarantee of future outcomes.

Intelligence with the Zembl Portal

The Zembl Energy Portal aggregates and categorises your full meter network into a single, simple-to-use platform. It's the visibility your team needs, the reporting your stakeholders will accept, and the foundation for everything we recommend next.

Zembl Energy Portal dashboard on a tablet

See your data. Store every bill.

The Portal pulls in invoices, contracts, consumption and data from across your network. With your personal login you can filter by site, retailer, state or tariff. View daily, monthly and annual usage. Spot the outlier running thirty per cent above benchmark, or the contract ninety days from a default rate.

The complexity is made simple with beautifully visual dashboards designed for humans, not hardcore energy analysts.

It's visibility your team needs and reporting your stakeholders will accept.

Your energy data made actionable

The Zembl Energy Portal is your gateway to all the energy data, reporting and insights your business needs, simplified, visualised and ready to act on.

Consolidated view

See all your sites and spend in one place.

Contracts & invoices

Download contracts, check invoices and stay audit-ready.

Data & usage insight

Unearth opportunities to up efficiency and cut costs.

Sustainability metrics

Keep track of your carbon footprint to meet ESG goals.

Why choose Zembl?

If you're putting together your next energy pitch list, here's why Zembl belongs on it. We aren't a comparison site. We aren't a one-and-done broker. We're a 100+ strong team of Australian energy specialists, with the platform, the partnerships and the in-contract service that makes energy procurement easier to run, defend and improve.

01

You get expertise

15 years in the market, over 100 local energy specialists, and established relationships with a panel of leading Australian energy retailers and efficiency partners.

02

You get a platform

AI-powered analytics, expense forecasting, ESG-ready reporting and bulk invoice management through your Zembl Energy Portal.

03

You get a partner

Procurement, intelligence and efficiency under one roof, with a dedicated Account Manager who stays for the life of your contract.

Learn more or request a callback
Key Zembl facts
Businesses helped since 2009
0K+1
Australian businesses helped to unlock the full potential of their energy
Saved in 2025
$0M2
For Australian small businesses in 2025 alone
Customer rating
0/53
Across 2,400+ reviews
Tenders run
0+4
More C&I energy tenders than any other Australian energy consultant
Experience
0+ yrs
On-the-ground market expertise across Australia
Net promoter score
0+5
World-class advocacy

1. Based on Zembl customer records as of May 2026. Customer numbers reflect businesses that have used Zembl's energy comparison and procurement services across Australia. Figures are rounded and subject to change over time.

2. Based on Australian business customers that achieved energy savings using Zembl's business energy bill comparison service from 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025 including GST. Savings are based on individual energy usage and available offers.

3. Based on reviews published on Trustpilot and Product Review as of May 2026. Combined, Zembl has received more than 2,400 customer reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars across both platforms.

4. Based on Zembl commercial energy procurement records as of May 2026. Tender figures reflect commercial and industrial energy tenders conducted by Zembl across Australia.

5. Net Promoter Score (NPS) based on customer survey responses collected by Zembl as of May 2026, and is subject to change over time as new responses are received.

Zembl Everything energy

This guide was published by Zembl in May 2026

To learn more about Zembl and how we can support your business to unlock its energy potential, please visit zembl.com.au