Active Utilities primed for the future

We believe that relationships are the key to developing strong partnerships. This philosophy is echoed by Lisa Dowie, CEO Active Utilities (Active). Active was a Prime Super investment in October 2023, one that propelled us to be the largest independent provider of local utility networks in Australia.

The synergy between Active and Prime Super is evident. We pride ourselves as being customer first, with an emphasis on delivering exceptional customer experiences, a passion for creating great workplaces, a commitment to making a positive impact in our communities where we operate and a focus on providing strong financial value for our stakeholders.

In March this year, Active merged with another Prime Super investment, Savant Energy. Together under one banner, Active will offer even more comprehensive energy solutions for multi-tenanted communities across Australia.

“The most significant change we’ve had in Active was the merger with Savant Energy. The merger combined our strengths, allowing us to differentiate our offering to the market. Together we could provide sustainable energy solutions – sourcing and installing PV Solar and battery farms, offer emerging technology solutions, deliver tailored solutions all while providing exceptional customer service,” said Lisa.

While the merger was a significant change, it was not the only one that Active was facing.

“The management team and I were conscious of the amount of change in a short span of time – new owners in Prime Super, a new CEO in myself, and the merger of two businesses.

“We made sure to take the team through the journey, ensuring that they were engaged, actively sought input from them on our strategy and initiatives. And it is because of our strong culture that we all pulled together to achieve the best outcomes possible. While the team embrace this new direction we’re heading in, they are equally excited about our plans to grow the business and create value for all,” recalled Lisa.

While the relationship between the two companies began as an acquisition, it’s grown since then as Prime Super is now Active’s default super fund.

 “Prime Super’s dedication to building strong relationships and providing exceptional service is truly part of their DNA. And I’m a strong believer that personal connection is the cornerstone to a great relationship with future potential.

“So, it’s no surprise that I see the connection between the two companies as the perfect partnership. We have aligned values when it comes to serving our customers and creating an environment where our teams can thrive.

“It made perfect sense to have Prime Super as our default fund. We realised we could benefit from our superannuation being managed by Prime Super. More importantly, we wanted to make sure that our teams had a super fund that was there for them, one that would help them get the most beneficial superannuation outcomes throughout their working lives.”

“Prime Super’s education sessions are a great way for us to enhance our employee value proposition. These sessions offer important information that could help our team with their financial future,” added Lisa.

On what the future holds for Active and Prime Super, Lisa said “There are strong synergies between both companies. I see opportunities in three areas:

1. exploring options for Active to source renewable energy from Prime Super assets such as the Chepstowe Wind Farm;
2. evaluating how Active can provide energy solutions for Prime Super owned buildings; and
3. recognising our shared interest in serving Australia’s ageing population.

“While we serve a number of clients in the retirement living sector, we know that this demand is expected to surge. Active plans to play a significant role in providing efficient and affordable energy solutions. We are now working with two retirement living village owners with multiple sites across South Australia to deploy battery and storage systems. Our intent is to do more of these initiatives in the future, and we look forward to exploring opportunities with Prime Super to create mutual benefits in this sector.”

“The team and I are genuinely excited about our partnership with Prime Super. We love that Prime Super is a profit-to-member fund, and we are aligned with what they stand for. Together, we look forward to creating value, striving to positively contribute to the long-term growth of the fund,” Lisa Dowie, CEO, Active Utilities.