"As I did some obligatory garden maintenance today I reflected on my renewables journey... and the change in mindset brought about by taking action over the last 18 months. Just over a year ago I had no solar power, and was at the mercy of my electricity retailer. My electricity bill was approx $2,500 per year and gas bill of around $1,500 and my fuel cost to get around locally was about $3,500. That's $627 monthly on energy ($7,520 annually).

I've since put solar on my roof, a battery in my garage, replaced my gas hot water system with a hot water heat pump, electrified my garden tools, and finally, purchased a PHEV which has a battery only range of around 100km and so everything I need. I replaced two ice vehicles in the process.

I now have a power credit of $450 for the last 7 months and no fuel bill for my last 2,000km of driving. Whilst these changes took a lot of upfront expense ($51,000 allowing for credit for two sold vehicles), I am fortunate to be able to access finance to do what I have done. I've just calculated that at this rate, allowing for financing costs, and electric costs rising by only 2% per annum (yeah right) my up front investment will be paid off in a little over 7 years (interest and principal). After 15 years, I will be $89,000 better off!!

I must credit Rewiring Aotearoa for starting me on my journey... and I must commend them on their simple and clear messaging. The focus must be getting solar and battery prices down in NZ, and getting access to finance for everyone (for their electrifying journey).

The part that is hard to describe (and in my experience not properly understood until doing) is the feeling of autonomy, freedom and doing something positive simultaneously. When I see the sun shining, for new reasons it's uplifting, when I drive an electric vehicle that is much quieter and much more responsive it brings a different and new joy to driving."

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