Latest news with #AuroraEnergy
Otago Daily Times
29-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Warning Aurora power bills may rise $10
Household electricity bills for Aurora Energy customers could increase by an average of about $10 a month next year, the Commerce Commission says. Commissioner Vhari McWha said the commission was seeking feedback on its draft decision to allow the Dunedin City Council-owned lines company to recover up to $663.7 million over four years from 2026 to 2030. "We are conscious of the effect on electricity bills across Otago, and we've ensured this spend remains reasonable and limited to what's necessary to give consumers a safe and reliable network now and into the future," Ms McWha said. "It means Aurora can continue to renew ageing assets on its network while also meeting significant growth in demand for electricity in its regions." Aurora said yesterday its initial view was the draft decision outlined a level of cost savings that would "seriously inhibit" its plans to support economic growth and improve network resilience. Advocates for those struggling to pay bills said high electricity prices were already having a significant effect on some in the community. Ms McWha said the draft decision meant the average household electricity bills in the areas Aurora served could increase by about $10 a month next year and about $3 a month each year thereafter. Aurora's customised price-quality path (CPP) was put in place in March 2021 to allow the company to recover a set amount of revenue from customers over five years as it repaired and upgraded its network. However, the company's present revenue limits were due to expire in March next year, and new revenue limits would be set under general arrangements that applied to other price-quality regulated lines companies, Ms McWha said. "While Aurora has made significant progress during the CPP on the safety of its network, its investment catch-up was always planned to occur over a longer period. "In Aurora's CPP application, it anticipated investment would not return to a steady-state level until around 2030." In its draft decision, the commission had removed $16m related to projects with potential to be deferred by alternative solutions such as residential solar, Ms McWha said. Aurora Energy chief executive Richard Fletcher said the company would provide a formal response to the commission's draft decision. "However, our initial view is that the level of operating cost efficiencies referenced by the commission would be impracticable to achieve and, if not corrected in the final decision, would seriously inhibit the company's ability to deliver its published plan and improve network resilience. "It would also constrain the planned development of the company's network and operations to support customers' electrification transition and the economic growth of our operating regions." The draft decision appeared to be based on high-level benchmarking information from 2018 and did not appear to have been updated to reflect the company's current operating environment, Mr Fletcher said. He said the company was proud of what had been achieved over the past five years and found it "very disappointing" the commission had not raised concerns about the efficiency of the company's operating position in any of the formal annual progress reviews it had undertaken. Dunedin Budget Advisory Service manager Andrew Henderson said there was a lot of pressure on low to middle-income households at the moment — and the draft decision by the Commerce Commission "seems to fly in the face of that". The budget advisory service, which administered the Dunedin City Council's Consumer Electricity Fund, was processing between 80 and 90 applications each month from people struggling with the cost of electricity. "That's probably the tip of the iceberg. "It's just pressure from all angles on low to middle-income households," Mr Henderson said. A Grey Power Otago committee member, who asked not to be named, said people were already distressed due to increases in electricity bills. A woman had recently called Grey Power's South Dunedin office in tears after signing up with a new electricity supplier and receiving a power bill of $400 for her two-person household. Feedback on the draft decisions closes on August 22. A final decision is due to be published by the end of November.
Otago Daily Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Mayoral hopefuls split over Aurora sale decision
Two Dunedin mayoralty candidates have squared off about whether Aurora Energy should be sold. Cr Lee Vandervis said the Dunedin City Council company should be sold and the proceeds reinvested in diverse funds that could provide relief from rates increases. "We need to sell Aurora because the DCC is too indebted to keep providing the increasing levels of debt necessary to keep Aurora going and to keep up with Central Otago expansion needs," he said. Cr Vandervis described his position as unpopular, but necessary, and it would also make the council less vulnerable to changes in interest rates, he said. His thoughts were outlined in a blog about his mayoral plans to control rates, debt and bureaucracy. Mayoralty race rival Andrew Simms said the debate had occurred already and the will of the people won out when the council ended up deciding last year to keep the company. "Nothing has changed, Lee," Mr Simms said. "We still don't want you to sell Aurora out from under us to an Australian pension fund or anyone else." Mr Simms said the council was "struggling to avoid a debt spiral". "That needs to be fixed at the source — not masked by cashing in Aurora Energy, our most valuable asset that will deliver riches for Dunedin in the future." Aurora Energy is owned by the city council, but the lines company also has a presence in Queenstown, Wānaka and Central Otago. The issue of whether it should be sold re-emerged at a city council meeting last month, when Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich — who is standing for re-election — suggested it could have fetched as much as $1.9 billion if conditions were extremely favourable. He also said he was unaware of any election candidate campaigning to sell Aurora. Cr Vandervis said he was surprised by this. "I have always advocated for reinvesting debt-hobbled Aurora in a fund that gives us a return and does not demand ever more debt, despite vocal public opinion against a sale." Cr Vandervis said selling Aurora was the right thing to do. "I do hope to convince the next council to sell Aurora if the current good sale conditions persist, but councillors may well be convinced more by the growing debt burden and the threat of a rates revolt if we do not sell." Cr Vandervis, who chaired the council's finance and council-controlled organisations committee this term, said he, committee deputy chairwoman and deputy mayor Cherry Lucas and Dunedin City Holdings Ltd directors had viewed a sale as necessary. There had been poor past management and a decade of deferred maintenance catchup, and "massive Central Otago expansion potential can only be realised by a very wealthy investor", Cr Vandervis said. Mr Simms said Aurora was experiencing growth in demand for electricity and strong network growth in Central Otago. "Aurora is investing heavily in growth and renewals at present, but this capital expenditure carries a guaranteed rate of return, and the value of Aurora continues to escalate." Mr Simms said he was "proud to lead the effort" to retain the company. "In reality, that role was straightforward, with such a weight of the community opposed to selling Aurora."
Otago Daily Times
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
A handy, shocking guide to avoiding electrocution
I have never had much interest in motor cars and consequently I've never been much of a driver, so I'm used to passengers closing their eyes, sharply drawing in their breath or even praying. This last is unacceptable and I have to ask them to put the rosary beads away as the clicking noise interferes with concentration. "Didn't you see that sheep in the middle of the road?" and "Boy, that power pole was close!" are comments I shrug off with, "Perhaps I need break. Would you like to drive for a while?" An invitation always accepted, often with what sounds like a passenger's sigh of relief. Thankfully, I've never hit a power pole although many drivers have. In my research into the topic, I find the pioneer in this activity was an Ashburton farmer called Hugh Keenan who, way back in 1931, after a drink or two, hit a pole at Willowby and was fined £20 (close to $3000 today) and his licence was cancelled for two years. Enough to make you very wary of power poles, but I suspect it was the drinking which brought about Hugh's heavy penalty. At least, the pole was uninjured. In more recent times, with thousands more motorists and tens of thousands more power poles, such collisions are common and, in some cases, the pole is downed and live wires present a danger. That's when things get serious and explains why Aurora Energy is running a safety campaign aimed at those who drive into power poles. My power isn't supplied by Aurora — Pioneer Energy does it — but I guess power poles behave much the same way in Maniototo as they do in other parts of Otago. If you've crashed into one, you've crashed into them all. Aurora's safety advice sets out exactly what you should do after hitting a power pole. "Call 111 and stay in the vehicle" heads the list. I know they don't mean "call out 111" which would be no use miles from any listeners apart from a few disinterested sheep. They mean make a phone call, but I've never had a phone on my person so calling 111 is out of the question. Staying in the car waiting for help to arrive on a rarely used rural back road is a fairly defeatist option. Probably safe, though, as Aurora explained, "electricity travels through the ground and your rubber tyres will help you avoid getting an electric shock". If there's very little rubber left on your tyres, then you're in big trouble. On a cheerful note, Aurora adds: "If your vehicle is on fire, open the door and jump clear." Pretty straightforward and something you probably thought of, anyway. But remember, says the ad, "to keep your feet together to stop your body becoming a conductor". No problem for an Olympic gymnast but a challenge to an elderly man. Easier, though, to "not touch the outside of your vehicle". This prevents a possible electric shock. "Remain on your feet" is a doddle but "shuffle or hop until you are at least 10m away" looks like a challenge. Shuffling and hopping are skills to be learned and not easy to pick up in an unexpected emergency. Perhaps classes on hopping should be run by Aurora to get us up to speed. Of course, once they hear about your mishap, Aurora "will switch the power off as soon as possible". It may take a while in my case. With no phone there's been a long trudge to the nearest farmhouse where the entire family has taken off to town for a few days shopping. Their neighbours are home and make the phone call but by then dozens of other country households are flailing around looking for candles to survive this sudden loss of power. Aurora are to be commended for taking the trouble to keep us safe. Their message may also encourage drivers to be more diligent in avoiding power poles. They will, of course, have to live with the anger of outraged consumers who are offended by the ad's illustration. It shows a suitably terrified driver approaching disaster. Something like a poster for a horror movie. Sadly, power poles will be always with us, given the cost of putting lines underground, and for dodgy drivers they will always pose a threat, leaping out in front of you as they sometimes do. Perhaps my licence needs to be endorsed: "Valid only in areas where power and phone lines are underground." That would make things safer but would restrict me to places like main streets and touristy places where I don't actually want to go. — Jim Sullivan is a Patearoa writer.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Energised Crowd Plugs In At Electrify Queenstown 2025
Press Release – Destination Queenstown Within a week of tickets going live the opening day event was fully subscribed, highlighting strong community interest in electrification and innovation across the Queenstown Lakes District. More than 200 attendees have gathered at Skyline Queenstown, as Electrify Queenstown 2025 launches today. The three-day programme helps businesses and households explore practical ways to reduce energy bills, electrify, and decarbonise. Within a week of tickets going live the opening day event was fully subscribed, highlighting strong community interest in electrification and innovation across the Queenstown Lakes District. Industry leaders and global experts will take the stage, including keynote speaker Dr Saul Griffith, inventor, internationally acclaimed author of ' Electrify ', and chief scientist at multiple organisations working on climate action and clean energy research. Commenting on the importance of the event, Dr Griffith said: 'With the U.S taking a sabbatical from climate action, the world needs climate leadership. 'New Zealand and Australia — two countries where electrification has crossed the economic tipping point — have a generational opportunity to deliver community-led electrification that will pave the way for the world to follow on effective climate action. 'What better place than Queenstown to showcase the benefits of an electrified future,' Dr Griffith said. Powered by principal sponsor, Aurora Energy for a second year, Electrify Queenstown brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators and business leaders to share opportunities to create a more resilient and sustainable future. Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says the region is proud to host such a future focused event. 'Electrify Queenstown will showcase leading electric innovations and practical solutions to empower both households and businesses to take steps toward a more energy-efficient, low-emissions future, often with significant cost savings. 'Whether you're exploring electric transport, improving energy use at home, or finding ways to cut business operating costs, there will be something for everyone,' Mat said. The momentum continues Tuesday 27 May, with over 300 people expected at the Queenstown Event Centre for an exhibition and tradeshow. The expo is free to attend, with more than 40 exhibitors across solar energy, home heating, cooking and insulation, EV's and charging facilities, and banks offering low-interest green loans. Attendees have the chance to test-drive seven of the latest electric vehicles, explore electric boats and e-bikes, and experience virtual reality transport technology. Electrify Queenstown will wrap up on Wednesday 28 May with an electric experience from Queenstown Marina to Forest Lodge Orchard at Mt Pisa. Queenstown Marina is home to New Zealand's first publicly accessible electric boat charging infrastructure, while Forest Lodge is the world's first 100% electric cherry orchard. Guests will be taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of this pioneering farm. Electrify Queenstown supports the region's ambition for regenerative tourism by 2030, underpinned by the keystone project to achieve a carbon zero visitor economy.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Energised Crowd Plugs In At Electrify Queenstown 2025
More than 200 attendees have gathered at Skyline Queenstown, as Electrify Queenstown 2025 launches today. The three-day programme helps businesses and households explore practical ways to reduce energy bills, electrify, and decarbonise. Within a week of tickets going live the opening day event was fully subscribed, highlighting strong community interest in electrification and innovation across the Queenstown Lakes District. Industry leaders and global experts will take the stage, including keynote speaker Dr Saul Griffith, inventor, internationally acclaimed author of " Electrify", and chief scientist at multiple organisations working on climate action and clean energy research. Commenting on the importance of the event, Dr Griffith said: 'With the U.S taking a sabbatical from climate action, the world needs climate leadership. 'New Zealand and Australia — two countries where electrification has crossed the economic tipping point — have a generational opportunity to deliver community-led electrification that will pave the way for the world to follow on effective climate action. 'What better place than Queenstown to showcase the benefits of an electrified future,' Dr Griffith said. Powered by principal sponsor, Aurora Energy for a second year, Electrify Queenstown brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators and business leaders to share opportunities to create a more resilient and sustainable future. Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says the region is proud to host such a future focused event. 'Electrify Queenstown will showcase leading electric innovations and practical solutions to empower both households and businesses to take steps toward a more energy-efficient, low-emissions future, often with significant cost savings. 'Whether you're exploring electric transport, improving energy use at home, or finding ways to cut business operating costs, there will be something for everyone,' Mat said. The momentum continues Tuesday 27 May, with over 300 people expected at the Queenstown Event Centre for an exhibition and tradeshow. The expo is free to attend, with more than 40 exhibitors across solar energy, home heating, cooking and insulation, EV's and charging facilities, and banks offering low-interest green loans. Attendees have the chance to test-drive seven of the latest electric vehicles, explore electric boats and e-bikes, and experience virtual reality transport technology. Electrify Queenstown will wrap up on Wednesday 28 May with an electric experience from Queenstown Marina to Forest Lodge Orchard at Mt Pisa. Queenstown Marina is home to New Zealand's first publicly accessible electric boat charging infrastructure, while Forest Lodge is the world's first 100% electric cherry orchard. Guests will be taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of this pioneering farm. Electrify Queenstown supports the region's ambition for regenerative tourism by 2030, underpinned by the keystone project to achieve a carbon zero visitor economy.
