The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
While we like to talk about the economic, environmental and resilience benefits of using more electricity, there’s no denying that the news is dominated by stories about increasing electricity prices.
RNZ looked at the increasing numbers of pensioners who are struggling to cope with higher bills and have resorted to "extreme power rationing". One of the only ways to bring electricity prices down is with rooftop solar, so we're working on a range of schemes to make that happen.
It’s depressing. It’s ineffective. And when the cost of generating electricity has never been cheaper through rooftop solar, it’s hard to swallow.
Those who have the capital or can access a loan have a very strong economic incentive to invest in solar (and, to a lesser degree, batteries) because they’re basically buying a few decades of cheap energy upfront and locking in that low price.
But what about everyone else? What about the approximately one third of New Zealanders who rent? What about those who are asset rich but cash poor and can't deal with too many cost increases?
It’s important to point out that electricity is still cheaper for households than using other fuels, but one of the only ways we can actually bring electricity prices down is by getting more solar on rooftops (or replacing the fixed costs with something smarter).
We know the biggest barrier to uptake is upfront costs. That’s why we’re working hard on a number of schemes to address that.
🏦 We’ve been advocating for long-term, low-interest loans for electrification upgrades that will be tied to properties and delivered through the proposed Ratepayer Assistance Scheme. The idea has bipartisan support in Central Government and a number of councils are also getting behind it.
😎We’re working on a solar for renters scheme that will reduce costs for tenants and incentivise landlords to put panels on their properties.
🔌We’re exploring the potential of plug-in solar for New Zealand households. While these systems only supply a small amount of electricity, the balcony solar movement has taken off in places like Germany and Spain and systems are now even being sold at Ikea.
Hardship will always be an issue, but if we embrace modern technology and find ways for more people to access it, energy hardship doesn't need to be a big part of that.
'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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