The case for energy loans: read our latest explainer
Electrify Wānaka group secretary Pierre Marasti knows all about the economic benefits of electric homes because he's been living in one for a few years and he and the team of volunteers have been sharing that knowledge far and wide. "Our focus is on the cost of living, and we do not think that enough people realise that electrifying everything is the cheapest way forward for everyone in New Zealand." Upfront costs remain the biggest barrier but, as Mike Casey explained to the Otago Daily Times, that might be about to change because the Queenstown Lakes District Council has decided to support the proposed Ratepayer Assistance Scheme alongside a number of other councils.
As Casey said: "By doing lower interest finance over a much longer period of time, we actually put our households in a position where they can save money from day one by doing these [electric] upgrades."
As rates continue to climb, this is something councils can do to help reduce the cost of living for residents.
And find out more about the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme here.
Rewiring Aotearoa is in favour of universal Road User Charges as we believe it will address an artificial market distortion for vehicles that is not in New Zealand’s economic, fuel security, or resilience interests. Here's what we told the Select Committee.
Read moreDownloadThe story of Uruguay's renewable push and why it's relevant here; EVs reach a tipping point in the EU, but they're growing in developing nations, too; Tauranga Crossing and Endless Energy go vertical with a new solar install; new research shows panels keep on trucking far past their warranty periods; and if you need a hand getting out on the waves, how about getting your own electric towing machine.
Read moreDownloadOur Political Power series aims to show that going electric is good for everyone, no matter where you sit on the political sprectrum. Whether you're looking to lower costs, reduce emissions or increase resilience, it increasingly makes sense at an individual, community and country level and ACT's Todd Stephenson, who bought an electric Jeep around one year ago and built his new home in Queenstown to run on electrons, is a good example of that.
Read moreDownload