The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
RNZ reports on the changes announced by Ministers SImon Watts and Chris Penk that aim to increase the uptake of residential rooftop solar. Rewiring Aotearoa's Mike Casey said the changes to voltage limit would mean more generation, "which is exactly what New Zealand needs… for households in Australia, the average size for solar systems is about 10kWh. In New Zealand it's 5 or 6kWh because solar installations are being built to the size people are allowed to export. This allows for higher levels of solar panels to be on homes. It makes larger systems more economical. When you finance solar panels on your mortgage it probably costs you 13c per kWh - there are many retailers out there buying power off you at more than 13 per kWh. So every piece of power that you don't use in your home that goes back to the grid is actually still in the economic best interest of the household."
He said the more solar that was generated on the rooftops of New Zealand, the more it backed up the hydro system and meant it could be used more as a battery.
"It's a massive win for energy security."
'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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