The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
Batteries in homes and businesses may seem individually small, but they could have a significant impact on the security and resilience of New Zealand’s power system. For example, 120,000 homes (or 5% of households in New Zealand) with a medium-sized battery could potentially reduce the peak electricity load by as much as our largest hydro power station, Manapouri. That’s why we’re asking the powers that be for something called symmetrical export tariffs so that customers with solar and batteries are paid fairly for their contribution, the payback time will be reduced and more people will have the confidence to invest in these technologies so the price of electricity can be reduced and we can keep the lights on in the event of an emergency.
Batteries in homes and businesses may seem individually small, but they could have a significant impact on the security and resilience of New Zealand’s power system.
As an example, 120,000 homes (or 5% of households in New Zealand) with a medium-sized battery could potentially reduce the peak electricity load by as much as our largest hydro power station, Manapouri.
While these batteries would not hold as much energy as Manapouri, they could output the same amount of power for an hour or two when the system really needs it.
That’s why we’re asking the powers that be for something called symmetrical export tariffs so that customers with solar and batteries are paid fairly for their contribution, the payback time will be reduced and more of them will have the confidence to invest in these technologies.
Many of us will be on what industry people call a ‘time of use’ electricity tariff. That means we probably pay more for our power during ‘peak periods’ - usually breakfast time and dinner time - than we do over the rest of the day. This reflects the underlying costs of providing electricity. However, if we have solar and a battery, and produce more energy than we consume (known as ‘export’), we don’t get paid for this export at anywhere near the same rate.
If a customer pays a higher price to consume power at peak times, they should get paid that higher price if they export power and help a neighbour reduce their use.
That’s not happening in New Zealand at the moment, and we think it should be made mandatory.
If that changed, homes, farms and businesses with solar and batteries could be paid around twice what they’re currently being paid for export at peak times, while lowering the price of energy for all New Zealanders and providing a more secure and resilient electricity system overall.
It’s time to level the playing field for New Zealand energy customers.
'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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