This pilot programme will establish a locally-based team to develop momentum and accelerate movement to alternate energy sources. A 2020 survey showed that 15% of residents in Queenstown and the Central Otago region were unable to heat their homes consistently. With energy costs still rising globally and nationwide, vulnerable households continue to be disproportionately impacted.

“Electrification holds the key to solving many of the challenges we face in our community,” says Rewiring Aotearoa’s CEO Mike Casey. “Switching our energy reliance from fossil fuels to locally generated electricity will lower the cost of living, improve community health, and reduce emissions to help our region become a global role model in community-led energy.”

While the name of the programme includes “Queenstown”, resources, educational materials, events, package deals, and capability building will be made available to everyone throughout the region.

“We are thrilled to support this initiative,” says Linda Robertson, Chair of CLT. “It’s an exciting step toward a more resilient and low-emissions future that ensures all our communities have access to clean, affordable energy.”

When the project was launched, Casey said demonstration projects are crucial to show people what’s possible and his all-electric orchard near Cromwell is a prime example of that. Similarly, he believes Queenstown could become a demonstration project in its own right.

“This transition to electric machines is already happening, in large part because the economics now stack up so well, but the Accelerator is all about speeding the transition up in one location through a combination of education, training, and innovation.”

The project will provide:

• Free guides, community workshops, and one-on-one energy consultations with local experts to help both homes and businesses lower their energy bills and emissions.
• Independent and transparent energy modelling to help make options clear.
• Technology partnerships that bring things like vehicle-to-grid chargers and community batteries into Queenstown.
• Innovative solar-for-renters programmes that extend clean energy benefits beyond homeowners.
• Workshop programmes and resources for local installers.
• Affordable finance options that save homes and businesses money from day one.
• Group discounts on heat pumps, solar systems, and EVs for the community.

The Queenstown region has played a central role in New Zealand’s renewable energy history. And now it’s about to play an important role in the world’s renewable energy future by turning Queenstown into the world’s most electrified destination.

For more information and to register your interest, visit qea.nz.