Interview: WEL Networks – Driving Smarter Investment Decisions with IFS Copperleaf

The IFS Copperleaf^® solution is live at WEL Networks, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable energy solutions and electricity distribution services in New Zealand. Brad Hocking, Director Consulting Delivery APJ & MEA at IFS Copperleaf, sat down with Kerry Green, General Manager of Asset Management at WEL Networks, to discuss how WEL Networks is using our solution to optimise asset investment planning. 

Can you start by telling us a bit more about WEL Networks? 

Kerry: WEL Networks is a relatively small company on the global scale. We serve around 100,000 customers in the upper central North Island of New Zealand. We’re 100% community-owned, so everything we do is focused on creating value for the local community.

Can you share a bit about your role?

Kerry: I’m Kerry Green, the General Manager of Asset Management and the project sponsor for the IFS Copperleaf implementation.

Brad: As the Director of Consulting Delivery for WEL Networks’s implementation, my my role is to ensure our project team delivers high-quality outcomes efficiently and on schedule. I focus on driving early value while fostering strong, collaborative relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

What were the goals you had going into this project?

Kerry: Over the past few years, we’ve seen investment costs on our network increase every year. I couldn’t confidently say each investment was a wise one, or objectively compare one against another. This implementation gave us a standardized process, underpinned by value frameworks. 
Now, I can compare projects across the board and make more informed decisions. And thanks to the stage-gate governance model, we’ve introduced greater transparency and structure in our investment planning.

What made this project successful?

Kerry: From the start, we had strong engagement. The internal team was solid, and we informed everyone early that this would bring positive change. 
We made sure people whose roles were impacted felt that their work would now add more value. For instance, our engineers used to spend hours on spreadsheets, and now they can focus on higher-value tasks with IFS Copperleaf. 

I couldn’t confidently say every investment was optimally ranked, by comparing one against another. Now I can.

Kerry Green,
General Manager of Asset Management
WEL Networks

Were there any key lessons learned during implementation?

Kerry: Change management is everything. We had to take both the business and the board on the journey. We made sure we had a robust structure in place, communicated clearly, and learned quickly. Even when that meant remembering to bring biscuits to training! 
Training and communication played a huge part in avoiding resistance and ensuring adoption.

What are the benefits you see going forward?

Kerry: While this project focused on network investments, we see value beyond that. Teams are already asking to run non-network projects like test equipment purchases through IFS Copperleaf. The consistency and transparency it offers are incredibly valuable.

How would you describe working with the Copperleaf team?

Kerry: Super engaging. We had strong support from the team — even when we had to fly people over from Australia. Mike, PJ, and Angel were fantastic ambassadors. They were patient, collaborative, and made us feel like one unified team.

What’s next for WEL’s asset management journey?

Kerry: We’re still in implementation. This year we’re building our first full year of projects. Next year, we’ll move into optimization, which is where IFS Copperleaf’s real value shines. 
We’re also rewriting our Asset Management Plan. With growing financial pressure from electrification, we’ll use IFS Copperleaf to prioritize flexibility and reduce capital spend where we can.

One last fun question. If you had to describe your IFS Copperleaf experience in one word?

Kerry: Cooperation. It really felt like one team. IFS Copperleaf integrated seamlessly across our business. I couldn’t ask for more.

Learn more about our client success stories and how organisations are improving their business outcomes with Copperleaf.