Multi-utility providers creating resilient communities

Multi-utility service provider Altogether Group — an amalgamation of Flow Systems, Flow Utilities and Meter2Cash Solutions — has unveiled a new brand identity to reflect its simple and sustainable water, power and data services.

CEO Terry Leckie said that Altogether has an ambitious vision for the future, with a strong focus on increasing the Group’s presence in South East Queensland.

“Our name change reflects the maturity of our business as a multi-utility serving communities across Queensland and New South Wales. With better ways of using, producing and thinking about power, water and data, we are working together with strata and building managers, body corporates, developers and communities to create a better future for everyone,” Leckie said.

“Through local utility services, we deliver genuine long-term, sustainable benefits to all stakeholders. We currently provide electricity, gas, hot water and potable water embedded network services to over 25,000 customers through our local teams in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney. Our vision is to increase this to 100,000 within the next three years,” he said.

Over 400 communities already receive Altogether's services including the recycled water system at Sydney’s Central Park and efficient embedded energy networks in the high-rise communities of Brisbane Skytower, Q1 and Southport Central in Queensland.

In South East Queensland, the company is primarily working with building and strata managers to provide embedded energy services, which allows communities to gain access to competitive wholesale electricity rates while also allowing the generation and distribution of inexpensive renewable energy.

At Q1 Resort & Spa, one of the most iconic skyscrapers in Surfers Paradise, Altogether is now maintaining the Q1 embedded energy network with the introduction of smart electricity, hot water and drinking water metering with remote monitoring and control.

“By replacing manually read meters with smart meters and automation, Q1 Resort & Spa has removed the unpredictability in utility pricing now and into the future. User-pay utility services help to lower existing strata fees and make it easy for residents to ensure they are in better control over their usage whilst getting the best price available. Electricity is purchased in bulk at the tower’s gate meter and potential savings are shared with our customers,” said Drew McKillican, Executive Manager of Energy Services at Altogether Group.

“Altogether’s air-conditioning solution chills water centrally allowing the system to function more efficiently and bills to reflect each customer’s use. Residents also benefit from embedded gas services and a new hot water plant to replace ageing systems,” he said.

Multi-utility approaches are creating resilient communities and sustainable outcomes, allowing people a financial stake in their community infrastructure that can benefit them directly. This is often called the ‘circular economy’, which presents a significant economic opportunity for Australia. It is estimated that the circular economy will deliver AU$1.4 trillion in cost savings by 2025 — Australia’s share is estimated at $26 billion per year.

“Next-Gen utility services like Altogether are transforming communities around the world, offering innovation, jobs, economic growth, resilience and a circular approach to resource management,” Leckie said.

“At the heart of what we do is empowering communities to thrive by delivering reliable, localised essential services. We’re constantly opening new doors and exploring new possibilities to progress communities. That’s why we capture local resources, reduce wastage and offer more affordable solutions — in turn, helping to build more resilient communities,” he said.

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