The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
Old Man Gas will be featuring in a few newspapers and billboards this week discussing the proposed LNG import terminal. Not surprisingly, he has his justifications, but they don't stack up. It is a multi-billion dollar tax on Kiwis that many experts and sector players think is unnecessary.
Modelling shows it could increase electricity bills, while putting us at the mercy of volatile global energy prices and delaying our inevitable transition to cheaper, cleaner renewable electricity.
There are also safety concerns about the location of the facility at Port Taranaki, close to residential and recreational areas, and it's likely the LNG import facility will be subject to legal challenge because of the process followed by the Government.
Nothing has been signed yet and it would be risky to do it this close to the election. Let’s not invest billions to prop up old technology at the urging of the fossil fuel industry. Let’s make a proper plan to electrify and build an energy system that will provide abundance for years to come.
Ditch LNG. Support New Zealand-made energy. Learn more at www.rewiring.nz/lng
'Twas the night before Chris-mas, and all through the house, all the voters were stirring, the pundits showing their nous … the election will soon be over, but the energy crisis won't, so we'll be there to pester whoever is in power about the need to run more of the economy on New Zealand-made energy; can Ethiopia's aggressive push for EVs work and how does New Zealand compare in terms of adoption rates?; a two-way charging trial from Genesis shows promise in Auckland, but there's still a way to go before it's mainstream; small electric vehicles are often overlooked when it comes to electrifying transport, but it's hard to miss this weird French one; a solar-powered cafe (and some electric coffee); and we endorse the political vandalism of Keith of All Trades.
Read moreDownloadPoliticians are being urged to adopt stronger electric vehicle incentives ahead of the election. Climate and energy advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa is arguing that EVs are one of the most effective long-term solutions for rising transport and energy costs. They're promoting an EV Salary Boost proposal, which would allow workers to access EVs through pre-tax salary arrangements – similarly to already existing schemes in the UK and Australia. Policy and Government Relations Spokesperson Ngaio Neumegen told Kerre Woodham that even with the rising cost of power, it's still cheaper to run an EV than a car running on imported fuel.
A proposal that would let New Zealanders lease an electric car using their before-tax pay has not won a commitment from either National or Labour, with the 7 November election days away. Under the EV Salary Boost, put forward by Rewiring Aotearoa and Drive Electric, an employee would lease a new or used EV for three to five years. The payments would come out of their pay before tax, lowering the cost of running the car. The idea is based on Australia’s novated leasing system, though the groups say they are not proposing a direct copy.
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