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As electrification blossoms and homes save money by getting off gas, we need to prepare for more electricity use. That doesn't necessarily mean more expensive upgrades to poles and wires paid for by customers on their bills. It could also be lines companies innovating and ensuring that they make the most of new technology like solar, batteries and two-way charging that can provide generation and reduce the pressure at peak times.
Wellington homeowner Mike Anthony has electrified. “We came off gas cooking about a year and a bit ago. We came off a gas ducted central heating at the beginning of August. And we've actually just finally got off gas completely by replacing our infinity hot water with an electric hot water heat pump at the beginning of this month,” he said.
The family’s household energy bill in August was 36% lower than in August last year, and he expected to save in the region of $1000 to $2000 in the first full year.Karl also said his household was coming off gas.“We are just the kind of home Greg [Skelton] is worried about,” he said.The Karl household had put in solar with a battery, which meant it could operate and charge its EV without adding to the city’s peak demand, reducing the need for investment in the city’s power lines.Sam Cook, owner of Wiretec Electrical in Lower Hutt, said 80% to 90% of solar systems his company installs have batteries.
Part of Queenstown is being turned into a testing ground for ideas that could one day help cut your power bill. A new energy sandbox is being scoped to test ideas like energy sharing, plug-in solar and solar for renters in a controlled area, before any wider rule changes. Rewiring Aotearoa's Josh Ellison spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
As electrification blossoms and homes save money by getting off gas, we need to prepare for more electricity use. That doesn't necessarily mean more expensive upgrades to poles and wires paid for by customers on their bills. It could also be lines companies innovating and ensuring that they make the most of new technology like solar, batteries and two-way charging that can provide generation and reduce the pressure at peak times.
Read moreDownloadNow there's a story we'll be cutting out and putting on the fridge! As The Post reports, misgivings from Act and NZ First about the proposed LNG import terminal mean a contract won't be signed before the election.
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