What this means for us
We’re committed to New Zealand’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050. We’re reducing our emissions by improving our ways of working and using energy efficient and sustainable practices. Through new technologies, we’re preparing our network to meet future energy demands and support our customers’ decarbonisation needs. Our network will enable a sustainable and resilient energy future with tailored services, empowering customers to actively participate in the low-carbon transition through personalised energy choices.
How we deliver on our promise
A cost-effective network with Flex solutions
Traditionally, our network was built for peak demand, leading to inefficient use of capacity. Instead of upgrading, we’re exploring ‘flex’ solutions to manage peak demand and utilise existing capacity during off-peak times. By optimising our operations and continuously seeking innovative solutions, we make energy more affordable and ensure the best value for our customers. Flex solutions help defer or avoid new capacity investment, reducing costs and empowering customers to be part of the solution.
Battery storage technology on power poles
We’re advancing our commitment to a future-ready electricity network by trialling innovative Battery Energy Storage Systems mounted on power poles. This initiative enhances grid resilience and efficiency, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and accommodating growing electricity demand. By modernising our infrastructure, we’re preparing to meet evolving customer needs while contributing to New Zealand's decarbonisation goals, ensuring a sustainable and flexible energy landscape for the future.
Contributing to a lower carbon world
We’re committed to New Zealand’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050. We’re preparing our networks for emerging technologies and low carbon alternatives. We continuously aim to reduce our emissions by improving our ways of working and every year we set ourselves short-, medium- and long-term goals and targets to ensure we’re making consistent progress towards a sustainable future.
Renewable natural gas
We’re exploring using biogas in our gas network to help decarbonise. Partnering with Manawatū District Council and Midwest Disposals, we will upgrade landfill and biogas to renewable natural gas. Over the next year, we will conduct technical analysis and engineering design. With this initiative we aim to reduce emissions, landfill waste, and provide a sustainable alternative to natural gas.
Residential hot water control trial
Together with retailers, we trialled hot water load control to potentially cut residential power bills. Over 20,000 connections were involved, testing ways to shift electricity demand. Retailers explored altering hot water heating times to ease grid strain. Initial results showed promising load shifting and efficiency gains, highlighting potential for improved load management.
Moawhango lines replacement
Powerco’s innovative electricity solution using Base Power’s Stand-Alone Power System (SAPS) has significantly improved the reliability and sustainability of energy for two isolated customers in the central North Island. This initiative ensures continuous, high-quality power supply despite challenging terrain and weather conditions, providing great value to these remote customers.
Mobile hybrid stand-alone power systems
Our portable battery units ensure a dependable power supply, while providing backup during outages. By cutting emissions and lowering diesel usage, they also contribute to our commitment to delivering sustainable and resilient energy solutions. Using the 60kWh battery units alongside a generator may reduce up to 80% of diesel used during a typical outage.
What this means for you
- Energy efficiency and transition: By implementing advanced technologies and promoting energy-saving practices, we help customers manage their energy use and carbon footprint. We support the transition to low -carbon alternatives, providing customers with the tools and resources needed to decarbonise and participate in the energy transition.
- Future ready network: We plan and prepare for an increase in electricity demand due to decarbonisation and growth. We invest in new technologies and infrastructure that can adapt to future energy needs, ensuring our network remains robust and flexible. This adaptability guarantees an efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy network, meeting both current and future needs.
- Flexibility services: As “energy facilitators,” we work closely with customers and stakeholders to incorporate new services. These flexibility services enable active customer participation in the energy ecosystem, support renewable distributed energy resources (DER), balance supply and demand in real-time, and provide greater control over energy profiles.
- Sustainable practices: We comply with stringent climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience standards. This requires us to demonstrate our proactive management of our assets to minimise environmental impact and ensure resilience to climate change throughout their lifecycle—from planning and construction to operations and decommissioning.