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Flexibility is an important aspect of our future energy system because we need to avoid over-spending on infrastructure and increasing bills when we could instead make better use of our existing poles and wires. The Electricity Authority's moves to lower off-peak power and offer higher export rates at peak are positive, but, as Kimberley O'Sullivan writes, "it is clear the sheer size and complexity of the problems mean government action, with community and industry collaboration, needs to go beyond slightly cheaper electricity when there is less demand." As she says, helping more New Zealanders, particularly renters and low-income homes, access solar with long-term low-interest finance is one of the main ways of reducing the cost of electricity.
Read moreDownload the document hereNew South Wales gets the memo about the importance of finance and announces scheme offering zero interest loans to households to upgrade to electric stuff; plug-in solar gets the tick of approval to go on sale in the UK soon and the New York Times says it could 'change America'; EVolocity takes electrification to the streets to gets the kids inspired (and eventually employed); a tour of the amazing recycling business Redwood Materials; Think Solar and BYD give it away now; and a skit that cuts close to the bone for many solar dads.
Read moreDownloadAdvances in technology and falling costs mean customer-owned solar and batteries can play a critical role in New Zealand’s energy infrastructure - improving affordability, resilience and sustainability. Multiple trading relationships (MTR) and peer-to-peer trading would enable this potential by increasing competition, customer choice, and innovation in the electricity market, unlocking greater consumer benefits from customer solar and batteries.
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