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One of the first community electrification groups to be established was Electrify Wānaka. From asking council for plan changes that would allow more solar to be installed (and pointing out that certain restrictions are at odds with council's climate ambitions) to setting up stands outside the supermarket to share the economic benefits of electric homes and transport, local leaders like Pierre Marasti and Lauren Fraser are helping to modernise the rules, save households money, reduce emissions and set a good example for the next generation.
One of the best forms of marketing is word of mouth, especially when it comes from trusted sources. That's why we're supporting almost 30 community groups around the country so they can help push the electric message in their area.
All of our community groups are full of Bright Sparks. And it doesn't matter if you're in it for the economics, the emissions, or the energy security because everyone wins with electrification.
If you're interested in getting involved with this locally-led national movement, check out the groups that already exist or start your own. https://loom.ly/WTOZP9Q
When Mike Casey bought his house near Cromwell, it came with gas bottles on the side of the home for water and an expensive diesel system for the underfloor heating. He replaced both of them with a Steibel Eltron system and it's been saving him money ever since. As technical manager Bhawesh Singh told him at the Electrify Queenstown conference, there has been a big influx in enquiries from homes looking to get off the molecules and onto electrons.
Read moreDownloadConfidence that cutting regulations to make solar power more accessible - won't jeopardise people's safety. A new Regulation Ministry reports laid out a potential blueprint to legalise plug-in solar and reduce the time and cost of panel installation. Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey shares his thoughts with Andrew Dickens.
The burgeoning demand for solar was also a chance to address a mismatch between the numbers of training opportunities available and young people searching for work, Casey said. "The mums of New Zealand are telling me that there's not enough apprenticeships for their kids and the solar installers of New Zealand are telling me there's not enough trained people."
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