The group - which was kicked off by four founding members - plans to hold the Electrify the Hutt Expo in October.

“Energy costs continue to rise and the impacts of climate change are becoming more evident, but going electric is a tangible solution for homeowners and renters that can not only reduce energy bills by thousands each year but can also significantly reduce emissions,” says founding member James Scott. “By showing them that electric water and space heating, driving and cooking are cheaper and healthier over the long run than fossil fuel equivalents and exploring renewable technologies such as solar panels, batteries and micro wind turbines, attendees will gain insights into how they can take control of their energy use, lower their power bills, and reduce their reliance on gas and petrol.” 

The expo will feature expert presentations, interactive displays, hands-on demonstrations, ‘ask me anything’ sessions to provide unbiased answers to community members’ questions and a social function for exhibitors. The group is confident it will attract hundreds of locals and a range of businesses, as well as MPs and councillors. 

“Going electric is all about giving residents more agency - and giving businesses an opportunity,” says Scott, who had a 9.5kW solar system with a Tesla Powerwall 3 battery installed in January. “Climate change often feels too big to solve, but part of the solution is hiding in plain sight - it’s in our driveways, in our cupboards, and on our roof. And the more people who realise that all these individual ‘dinner table decisions’ add up to a lot of emissions reductions in the community and a lot of savings for those households, the better for everyone.” 

Beyond environmental and financial benefits, the expo will also emphasise how local energy generation can create a more resilient region. 

“When households and neighbourhoods produce their own energy, they are less vulnerable to disruptions from the national grid, as well as from energy price fluctuations from more volatile and mostly imported fuels. This resilience is especially important in the face of natural disasters or extreme weather events, as it provides communities with greater energy security and independence.” 

Jay Salzke, ecosystem lead at Rewiring Aotearoa, says the first community meeting in the Hutt was a great success and it’s satisfying to see the initial enthusiasm for electrification blossom into an event. 

“As a result of that first meeting, quite a few people said they would be reconsidering solar for their homes, with one inspired to take a solar proposal back to his marae, while local tradies, who will be the heroes of this energy transition, ended up with new leads. This shows the power of these local groups to influence their own community members and show them that going electric is a massive win-win. As they grow, they also become important political forces and can start to influence local decision makers. The revolution will be localised.” 

Ultimately, the Electrify the Hutt Expo is more than an educational event, says Scott. It’s a call to action for individuals, families and businesses to explore how they can contribute to a wealthier, cleaner and more resilient Hutt Valley. 

“By connecting with energy experts, local suppliers, and like-minded community members, attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to make informed decisions that benefit their homes, wallets and the planet. We can’t wait to see it come to life.”

• If you’re a business interested in exhibiting at the expo or supporting the work of the group, get in touch to discuss some options. 

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