Rallying for Resilience: What Castings Can Learn from a Champion Driver’s Approach to Energy Optimisation

When I sat down with Toni Carannante, founder and CEO of TC-TEC, I anticipated insights into the challenges of the Foundry sector. What I didn't expect was a metaphor that so perfectly captured the reality of energy procurement today - rally driving.

Yes, rally driving.

Toni isn't just a foundry expert; he's also a passionate rally driver. As our conversation unfolded, it became strikingly clear that the high-stakes world of motorsport shares more with energy strategy than one might think.

“Prepare for every bend.”

In rallying, Toni explained, you can't just react - you must anticipate. "The better prepared I am," he said, "the more I achieve high performance at lower risk." It's a philosophy he's brought to his energy strategy as well.

With the volatility we've all experienced in the energy markets over the past few years - from spiking energy prices to unstable supply chains - the foundry sector has been under pressure like never before. Energy-intensive operations need confidence, not chaos. Predictability, not panic.

And that's where True comes in.

Putting the Right Team on the Grid

"I simply would not have enough knowledge and expertise to be confident that I could do a good deal for the businesses I advise," Toni shared. "So we looked at professionals... True presented a very good portfolio of their products, and it was a very attractive proposition."

Toni's choice wasn't just about finding a supplier - it was about finding a partner. Someone who could bring a calm, confident hand to the wheel, equipped with real-time data, deep market intelligence and the kind of support that turns energy chaos into clarity.

Why Castings Businesses Need to Think Like Rally Drivers

In castings, the stakes are high. Margins are tight. And every kilowatt counts. You wouldn't dream of sending a rally car onto the track without analysing the route, checking the weather, and fine-tuning the engine. So why should energy strategy be any different?

True helps procurement managers and finance directors prepare for every bend in the market. Our platform delivers a full view of your energy use, risk exposure, and Net Zero opportunities - all in one place. And with our team of experts (many of whom have sat in your seat), we help you make decisions at pace, with precision.

From helping you manage consumption patterns across complex operations to unlocking the most suitable renewable technologies and assessing the ROI of sustainability projects - True empowers castings companies to take control of their energy strategy and turn it into a competitive advantage.

A Supercharged Opportunity

With the UK government’s British Industry Supercharger scheme on the horizon, there’s a new reason to act decisively. This initiative aims to slash electricity costs for energy-intensive industries like metals and castings, offering full exemptions from green levies and up to 90% reductions in network charges. These measures are set to roll out from 2026, with a broader scheme arriving in 2027 - and could deliver savings of up to £40/MWh.

But these benefits don’t come automatically. Businesses must prove their eligibility and showcase their energy and sustainability strategies clearly. That’s where True steps in.

Our platform centralises your energy data, validates your consumption metrics, and helps you build a forward-looking, commercially competitive roadmap that aligns with regulatory expectations. We assess your eligibility, forecast your financial and carbon savings, and ensure your business is primed to take full advantage of the Supercharger scheme.

As Goodwin Plc can attest, there are some significant savings to be made in partnership with True: “We now have an ongoing discount in excess of £240,000 per year, off our electricity bill for Goodwin Steel Castings Ltd for the next five years. This represents a saving of some 20%, achieved without any investment upfront. If your company is an energy intensive user of electricity as Goodwin PLC is with the melting of metal, I would not hesitate to recommend you have discussions with True to determine if your company criteria would allow you to save you substantial money relating to applicable non-commodity charges being applied to your electricity bill.”

Accelerating Towards Net Zero

Our mission at True is simple: to help UK and European businesses save £2 billion in energy costs and 2 million tonnes of CO₂ by 2030. For castings firms like Goodwin and TC TEC, this isn't just a CSR checkbox—it's about futureproofing operations, building resilience, and gaining a commercial edge.

And that starts with knowing where you are, where you're going, and what's coming around the next corner.

The Finish Line

Toni's insight reminded me why we do what we do. Because whether you're racing across gravel or navigating energy markets, success lies in preparation, precision, and partnership.

And with True, you don’t need to drive blind.

Ready to put your business in pole position?

Book a call with our team today to explore how you can take advantage of the Supercharger scheme and optimise your energy strategy for resilience, competitiveness, and Net Zero success.