The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
Rather than relying on unproven technologies like carbon capture or unreliable offsets in the form of overseas trees, upgrading our small fossil fuel machines to electric equivalents and running them off renewable electricity is one of the best ways to reach our climate targets. We've been saying it for a while and the Climate Change Commission agrees, with an RNZ story saying "there are big opportunities in renewable energy and clean farming that could cut household bills, help businesses - and get the country back on track".
The Climate Change Commission released its update on how the country is tracking and, while emissions are trending down, there is a risk we will not meet our 2050 target. Jo Hendy, the commission's chief executive, said: "If we do this right we have a lot of opportunity for lowering energy costs to households, for example solar and wind are the lowest cost source of electricity right now, we have the opportunity to create new jobs in new clean industries and really protect our local businesses access to market."
Around 25% of New Zealand's gross emissions come from small fossil fuel machines. These are, as Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey says, the low-hanging cherries of emissions reduction and he has proven on Forest Lodge Orchard that going electric is not only good for the environment, it's also good business. More farmers are recognising that energy is one area they can reduce costs without compromising on anything.
'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.
Read moreDownload
