Client:
Repco NZ Ltd

Timeframe:
Since 2002

Service Provided:

Account Management (including opening and closing power accounts, setting up new connections and outage notifications), Procurement, Invoice Verification, Bill Pay, Online Financial and Sustainability Reporting

Benefits Realised:

• Over $250k saved through invoice verification.
• $240k saved via procurement and by taking the lowest cost offer – and with no change in payment processing systems or service.
• Repco’s in-house resources now freed up to focus on the business rather than checking energy accounts.
• Real-time reporting through Smart Power’s online services delivering immediate results and decision making power.

In 2011 Smart Power approached Repco New Zealand regarding expanding their services from procurement and invoice verification to also include account management and bill payment.  This was driven by the fact that discussions between Smart power and Repco had begun to include queries around reducing the in-house administrative cost of switching suppliers and recognising the full impact not paying the correct amount across their retail network was actually having on their business.

Six years on the relationship has grown to encompass a range of Smart Power’s energy management services.

As New Zealand’s largest reseller and supplier in the automotive parts aftermarket, Repco represents a business for which energy is a major component of its operating budget.

85 stores, running 7 days a week, nationwide means Repco benefit significantly from Smart Power services including electronic invoicing in file formats specified by Repco, technical reporting on energy use per store and financial services such as procurement, budgets, invoice verification and reporting.

Smart Power initially won Repco’s business when they delivered their first RFP in 2002. Thanks to Smart Power’s connections and extensive experience in these types of negotiation, they were successful in securing a much lower energy price for Repco’s New Zealand operation.

Ongoing savings and efficiencies continue to be achieved thanks to the work Smart Power undertakes tracking Repco’s energy usage across their retail and office sites. Smart Power’s reporting systems successfully alert Repco to any operational anomalies or faults as soon as they occur, thereby minimising any potential budget impact.

Monthly reporting from Smart Power and regular contact from their Smart Power Relationship Manager Shaun Hayward, has helped ensure Repco understand the value of working with Smart Power and they remain committed to efficient energy management practises.

The fee paid to Smart Power for the services they deliver is more than offset by the savings made and Smart Power’s reliability and the simple no fuss way in which they carry out their services is truly appreciated by Repco.

As the most widely recognised automotive parts brand in New Zealand and Australia, Repco stands for quality, expertise and knowledge. These same values are shared by Smart Power who have built their business into the leading energy management player in New Zealand.

By drawing on their own collective expertise Smart Power helps businesses successfully navigate their way through the complex and highly technical energy supply environment.

For more information on Repco and its related companies visit Repco Corporate.

Shaun Hayward oversees this Repco partnership and is based in Smart Power’s Auckland CBD office.

For more information on the services mentioned or to discuss the energy management needs of your business – please contact Shaun on shaun.hayward@smartpower.co.nz, 0064 21 828 343.

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Repco NZ Case Study