An energy buyer is responsible for securing the best possible energy contracts for a business—balancing price, risk, and usage to keep costs down and operations running smoothly. It might sound simple, but in reality, energy buying is a specialised mix of market timing, contract negotiation, and strategic planning. In short: energy buyers make sure businesses don’t get caught paying more than they should.

And in 2025, with volatile markets and rising pressure on sustainability, their job matters more than ever.

Why do businesses hire or rely on energy buyers?

Because energy isn’t predictable anymore.

A few years ago, electricity bills were something you just paid—no surprises. Now, prices can spike overnight, and contracts come loaded with conditions that aren’t always easy to spot. That’s where energy buyers step in. Whether they’re in-house or outsourced, they:

• Understand how your business uses energy

• Know what’s happening in the wholesale and retail markets

• Time contracts to lock in better deals

• Align energy strategy with budget and environmental goals

For small operations, this role might sit with a finance or operations manager. But larger or multi-site businesses often hire dedicated professionals—or rely on an energy broker to do the legwork.

What’s a typical day like for an energy buyer?

It’s less about flicking switches and more about interpreting patterns.

Here’s what an energy buyer might do in a typical week:

• Review usage data from the last month (Are peaks increasing? Any surprises?)

• Liaise with energy brokers or retailers to compare contract options

• Run forecasts to see how future price movements might impact budget

• Prepare internal reports or dashboards for executives

• Advise teams on efficiency opportunities (like shifting operations to off-peak)

• Keep track of regulatory changes (especially if the business reports under NGER)

They’re part financial analyst, part strategist, and part translator—converting kilowatt hours into business decisions.

How is an energy buyer different from an energy broker?

This comes up a lot, and for good reason—they’re closely connected.

Role Energy Buyer Energy Broker Employed by The business A third-party or consultancy Focus Strategy, budgeting, long-term energy needs Finding and securing energy contracts Paid by Business directly Often via commission from energy retailer Involvement Ongoing Typically transactional, unless retained long-term

A smart energy buyer will often use a trusted broker to source competitive offers and benchmark pricing. But the buyer retains control over the broader energy strategy—including sustainability targets, internal reporting, and energy efficiency investments.

That said, in many smaller businesses, an energy broker fills both roles—especially when budgets don’t allow for a full-time energy manager.

How do energy buyers save money for businesses?

It’s not just about getting the cheapest rate per kilowatt hour. A good energy buyer helps businesses avoid bad deals, reduce unnecessary charges, and plan for future savings.

Here’s how:

• Contract timing – Buying at the wrong time can cost thousands. Energy buyers watch the market and time renewals.

• Demand management – Adjusting how and when energy is used to avoid costly peak charges.

• Multi-site consolidation – Bundling contracts across locations for better pricing.

• Tariff review – Making sure you’re on the right network tariff or meter configuration.

• Efficiency upgrades – Spotting savings through lighting, HVAC, or process changes.

Take a real-world example: a Queensland hospitality group recently had their energy buyer restructure contracts across six venues. By adjusting operating hours and renegotiating their energy agreement before summer kicked in, they saved over $38,000 in just one quarter.

Do energy buyers manage sustainability, too?

Increasingly—yes.

Energy buyers are often the first people inside a business to engage with sustainability in practical terms. That might include:

• Switching to renewable electricity plans

• Sourcing GreenPower or carbon-neutral gas options

• Integrating solar, batteries, or demand-response programs

• Tracking Scope 2 emissions for ESG or investor reports

• Supporting the business’s net-zero pathway

They might not always be labelled "sustainability officers," but their work often overlaps. After all, using energy better is one of the most effective ways to cut emissions—especially in energy-intensive sectors like manufacturing, food processing, or logistics.

What kind of businesses need an energy buyer?

If energy is one of your top five expenses, you need someone keeping a close eye on it. That doesn’t always mean a full-time hire—it could mean partnering with a knowledgeable broker or advisor.

Industries that regularly engage energy buyers include:

• Manufacturing and warehousing

• Multi-site retailers

• Aged care and healthcare providers

• Food production and cold storage

• Schools, universities, and local councils

Even a single-site business with high usage—like a brewery, gym, or laundromat—can benefit from having a skilled energy buyer or broker reviewing their contracts.

FAQ

Can an energy broker act as my energy buyer?
Yes—many small businesses rely on a trusted energy broker to perform both functions. Just make sure they explain how they’re paid and what retailers they compare.

Is it worth it if my bills aren’t huge?
It depends on your usage pattern. If you're running air con, refrigeration, or machinery most of the day, a good buyer or broker can likely still find savings.

Do energy buyers only work on electricity?
No—they often manage gas contracts too, especially in food, healthcare, or industrial sectors.

Final thoughts: Why energy buying matters more than ever

Energy isn’t just a line on a spreadsheet anymore—it’s a strategic decision.

Whether it’s fighting rising costs, supporting emissions goals, or just making sure you’re not paying more than the business next door, energy buyers are doing essential work that most people never see. And they rarely get credit for it—until the savings roll in or the next blackout is avoided.

For many businesses, partnering with an experienced energy broker can serve the same role—bringing insight, access, and calm decision-making to a market that’s anything but calm.