The case for energy loans: read our latest explainer
RNZ's Kathryn Ryan talked to Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey and Electricity Networks Aotearoa's Tracey Kai about the changes proposed by the Energy Competition Taskforce and how they will improve the already impressive return on investment for solar and batteries. As Casey said, the most important thing to remember is that the biggest benefits to households come from using solar as it is the cheapest form of delivered electricity available to New Zealand homes and those with electric machines and cars can save thousands each year on their energy bills. Exporting excess energy is generally a cherry on top and the proposed changes to reward peak export might only represent a small increase for households, but they may be significant for farmers or businesses with more space. More solar and batteries also helps to bring down the cost for everyone on the network, reduces the need for expensive pole and wire upgrades, which are paid for on customers' bills and can also help create more security of supply by keeping water in the dams.
The 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 moreDownloadTo compare the running costs of EVs vs. petrol cars in a way that is accessible for everyday folks, we created an “equivalent fuel price” for EVs, in $/L, by taking into account the energy consumption and electric : petrol motor efficiency ratios. This allows for an apples-to-apples comparison against traditional fuel pump prices. Here's how we did it.
Read moreDownloadNewsroom's Marc Daalder talks to Rewiring research lead Josh Ellison about our growing solar uptake and the reasons for regional variations. As he writes: "One in 27 homes now has rooftop solar, with more than 73,000 registered systems in the latest data from the Electricity Authority, which runs to the end of 2025. That represents a 15 percent increase from 2024 and follows declining solar install prices."
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