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Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey writes in Newsroom (paywall) that the low hydro lake levels are putting us at risk of another energy crunch in 2025, but more solar on our homes, farms and businesses would help bolster our energy security. As he says: "Solar is an energy source that is proven to perform better in dry years, ranks as the cheapest form of energy ever developed by humans and can help bring the cost of electricity down for everyone. When the leaves start dropping next year, I hope Min. Watts isn’t quite as concerned about lake levels or long-term forecasts because he can bask in the sunshine and know that he has helped more New Zealand homes, farms and businesses generate cheap electricity from the big nuclear fusion reactor in the sky. The future is bright."
Read moreDownload the document hereOn one side there's Meridian with its massive hydro scheme and array of renewable generation. And on the other there's Warren Begley with his 'power station' out the back of Formaggio's restaurant in Christchurch. Begley, a philanthropist, environmentalist and successful restaurateur, has fully embraced the Rewiring ethos and electrified as much of his own life as possible. And now he's electrifying a few more lives through a clever car ownership scheme for staff that is powered by solar, batteries and a fair bit of trust.
Read moreDownloadThe latest numbers, as at one week ago, there were 24 days of petrol and 18 days of diesel in the country. Things are looking to worsen for the foreseeable future, although an uptick in public transport use and EV purchases point to people taking things into their own hands.