Latest news with #EECA
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Seven sneaky ways to save power
An energy efficiency expert reveals seven sneaky ways to save power, and just how much you could save by doing them. Photo: RNZ If you popped the heater on before you got out of bed this morning, you might have pondered what your next power bill will look like. The middle months of the year are often the most expensive for household electricity . But the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority says there are some energy-saving things that you can do that could help cut your bills , without denting your lifestyle too much. "We've really tried to focus on things which are either no cost or at least very low cost and try to quantify the benefits of each measure," said Gareth Gretton, EECA's lead adviser on energy efficient appliances. "People can think about what exactly works for them and their household and make trade-offs for themselves." These are the seven things EECA recommends doing - and how much you could save by doing them. Only heat the rooms you're using: EECA said that households using electric heating could save about $300 a year if they switched to only heating the rooms they were using. This would reduce electricity demand by about 10 or 15 percent. Keeping your house heated to 21°C rather than 23°C could also save 2 percent of your power, or about $40 a year. "There's always this tradeoff with you know 'how warm do I want my room to be' and you know 'am I kind of on the edge of my comfort level or I'm actually feeling cosy'," Gretton said. "Maybe think about just trying to heat the rooms you're actually using at a given time rather than trying to heat the whole house and not necessarily being comfortable in any one room … it's not about being uncomfortable, it's about trying to use energy wisely." He said draught stopping was also important. "This is very dependent on the house you're in but there's obviously still lots of people living in draughty houses. It's a perfect time to look at that - this is very much house by house but you could be looking at up to $100 from that one in the winter." Switching to cold water in your washing machine: Washing your clothes in cold water rather than warm will reduce consumption by 1 percent, EECA said. Gretton said based on one wash a day, a household that moved five out of seven washes to cold water would save about $50 a year. "We're sort of so used to machines defaulting to warm and just pressing the start button but all it takes is a click of the button to move down to cold," Gretton said. "If all you're doing is kind of freshening up some clothes and they don't have any really hard-to-shift stains in them, then they're going to come out clean and you're going to save yourselves [money]." Turning off appliances that you aren't using: If you can turn off things like your heated towel rail, TV or second fridge you could reduce your electricity demand by about 8 percent, or a saving of $200 a year. "I think some households do have a second fridge maybe running in the garage or something like that," Gretton said. "It's probably the number one energy vampire that's in your household because you might have chucked it in your garage and thought 'oh that'll be useful at Christmas'. Then it'll end up running all year because you forget about it. Empty it out and turn it off, then turn it back on again when you need it." Close the curtains at sunset: Closing the curtains at sunset could save you 3 percent of your power, or $80 a year, EECA says. Gretton said it was mostly "common sense" but sometimes a "little nudge" would remind people of the small changes they could be making. Reducing your hot water temperature: Limiting your hot water to 60°C could save 3 percent in power. Vacuuming your heat pump filter: Remembering to vacuum your filter could reduce your power use by 2 percent or about $50. Time your power use: If you're on a plan that gives you cheaper power off-peak, make use of it. Gretton said a number of households were on time-of-use plans, where power is cheaper at certain times of day, but were not using them to the best advantage. Shifting appliances to off-peak times, particualrly things like clothes dryers, could help save money. "Dishwashers are kind of an easy one in some ways because they often have a 'delay start' function. The saving we're modelling for that one is around $150." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Ara Ake Launches $1 Million National Flex Discovery Fund To Boost Flexibility Innovation In Aotearoa New Zealand
Press Release – Ara Ake Flexible energy resources, such as batteries, electric vehicles, and smart appliances, hold immense potential to support the electricity grid during peak demand periods, reduce the need for infrastructure investment, and lower energy costs for consumers. Ara Ake, New Zealand's national energy innovation centre, has announced the launch of the National Flex Discovery Fund, which offers up to $1 million in grants to accelerate the development and visibility of flexible energy resources across the country. The Fund reflects Ara Ake's commitment to accelerating the commercialisation of emerging energy solutions in support of New Zealand's energy future. Flexible energy resources, such as batteries, electric vehicles, and smart appliances, hold immense potential to support the electricity grid during peak demand periods, reduce the need for infrastructure investment, and lower energy costs for consumers. Despite this potential, much of New Zealand's energy flexibility remains unrealised. 'New Zealand's energy future relies on our ability to cost-effectively integrate more renewables into the electricity system and harness flexible resources,' said Cristiano Marantes, Chief Executive of Ara Ake. 'However, much of this flexibility is currently invisible or inaccessible, making it unusable. As a result, customers cannot fully benefit from their own energy resources. We have been working with the Electricity Authority (EA) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) to develop an initiative that can deliver at pace a positive impact for New Zealand.' The National Flex Discovery Fund is designed to accelerate the commercialisation of flexibility innovation by providing grants to flexibility service providers or aggregators (FSPs) in two key areas: Connecting to open-access platforms – Assisting FSPs in onboarding to open-access flexibility platforms. Enhancing capacity and reliability – Supporting the scaling and improvement of the capacity and reliability of existing flexible resources already connected to these platforms. 'EECA is working with partners across the sector to enable distributed flexibility systems for New Zealanders. Visibility is the critical first step – flexible, bi-directional approaches being seen and trusted, will put us in the best position to introduced this more widely. They can also add more value by responding during times of high demand, like winter peaks. This initiative will help us all to move forward,' says Dr Marcos Pelenur, Chief Executive of EECA. The Fund is informed by an Ara Ake-commissioned white paper, which identified that many FSPs face significant upfront challenges and costs-such as integration, software development and customer engagement. 'Reducing regulatory barriers and fostering a culture that embraces innovation is something we strongly support, so it's fantastic to see this Fund being launched. It represents a real opportunity to benefit all New Zealanders. We're excited to see cross-industry collaboration and gain insights that can be applied across the sector as new ideas accelerate from concept to market,' says Mark Herring, Electricity Authority General Manager of Corporate and Market Services. Ara Ake is now inviting applications from flexibility service providers across New Zealand, particularly those with a focus on unlocking the value of distributed energy resources (DER) and developing scalable, market-ready solutions. Applications will be evaluated based on their potential to enhance the country's energy flexibility and deliver value to consumers. 'This is about enabling an energy future where every flexibility resource that is capable – no matter how big or small – can be discovered, orchestrated, measured and verified to deliver a more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy system for Aotearoa,' says David Knight, Transpower Executive General Manager Strategy, Regulation & Governance.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Ara Ake Launches $1 Million National Flex Discovery Fund To Boost Flexibility Innovation In Aotearoa New Zealand
Ara Ake, New Zealand's national energy innovation centre, has announced the launch of the National Flex Discovery Fund, which offers up to $1 million in grants to accelerate the development and visibility of flexible energy resources across the country. The Fund reflects Ara Ake's commitment to accelerating the commercialisation of emerging energy solutions in support of New Zealand's energy future. Flexible energy resources, such as batteries, electric vehicles, and smart appliances, hold immense potential to support the electricity grid during peak demand periods, reduce the need for infrastructure investment, and lower energy costs for consumers. Despite this potential, much of New Zealand's energy flexibility remains unrealised. "New Zealand's energy future relies on our ability to cost-effectively integrate more renewables into the electricity system and harness flexible resources," said Cristiano Marantes, Chief Executive of Ara Ake. "However, much of this flexibility is currently invisible or inaccessible, making it unusable. As a result, customers cannot fully benefit from their own energy resources. We have been working with the Electricity Authority (EA) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) to develop an initiative that can deliver at pace a positive impact for New Zealand." The National Flex Discovery Fund is designed to accelerate the commercialisation of flexibility innovation by providing grants to flexibility service providers or aggregators (FSPs) in two key areas: Connecting to open-access platforms - Assisting FSPs in onboarding to open-access flexibility platforms. Enhancing capacity and reliability - Supporting the scaling and improvement of the capacity and reliability of existing flexible resources already connected to these platforms. "EECA is working with partners across the sector to enable distributed flexibility systems for New Zealanders. Visibility is the critical first step - flexible, bi-directional approaches being seen and trusted, will put us in the best position to introduced this more widely. They can also add more value by responding during times of high demand, like winter peaks. This initiative will help us all to move forward," says Dr Marcos Pelenur, Chief Executive of EECA. The Fund is informed by an Ara Ake-commissioned white paper, which identified that many FSPs face significant upfront challenges and costs-such as integration, software development and customer engagement. "Reducing regulatory barriers and fostering a culture that embraces innovation is something we strongly support, so it's fantastic to see this Fund being launched. It represents a real opportunity to benefit all New Zealanders. We're excited to see cross-industry collaboration and gain insights that can be applied across the sector as new ideas accelerate from concept to market," says Mark Herring, Electricity Authority General Manager of Corporate and Market Services. Ara Ake is now inviting applications from flexibility service providers across New Zealand, particularly those with a focus on unlocking the value of distributed energy resources (DER) and developing scalable, market-ready solutions. Applications will be evaluated based on their potential to enhance the country's energy flexibility and deliver value to consumers. "This is about enabling an energy future where every flexibility resource that is capable - no matter how big or small - can be discovered, orchestrated, measured and verified to deliver a more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy system for Aotearoa," says David Knight, Transpower Executive General Manager Strategy, Regulation & Governance. To learn more about the National Flex Discovery Fund, access the white paper, or apply for funding, visit the website:
Travel Daily News
07-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
UFI MEA Conference sees record numbers in Cairo, Egypt
160 delegates from 26 countries gathered in Cairo, Egypt, for largest UFI MEA Conference to date. International lineup of speakers explored new opportunities in thriving MEA market PARIS / CAIRO – UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, successfully concluded the 2025 edition of the UFI MEA Conference, hosted from 28–30 April in Cairo, Egypt, by the EECA (Egyptian Expo & Convention Authority) at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center. The largest UFI MEA Conference to date brought together 160 industry leaders and decision-makers from 26 countries, serving as a powerful platform for global connection, networking, and collaboration across the dynamic Middle East and Africa region. Essam Ahmed Elnaggar, Minister Plenipotentiary, Commercial – Chairman of Egypt Expo & Convention Authority, comments, 'It is with great pride and sincere appreciation that I extend, on behalf of the Egypt Expo & Convention Authority (EECA), our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the outstanding success of the UFI Middle East & Africa (MEA) Conference 2025, held in the historic and welcoming city of Cairo from 28-30 April, hosted by EECA, affiliated with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade. Egypt Expo & Convention Authority regarded the hosting of this forum as a valuable opportunity to foster strong and enduring partnerships across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. It is through such partnerships that we will fulfill our shared vision of advancing the exhibitions sector, grounded in best practices, cutting-edge technologies, and international standards of excellence. UFI MEA 2025 in Cairo not only provided valuable insights and global perspectives, but also showcased Egypt's evolving role as a prime destination for world-class exhibitions and conventions, while emphasizing the critical role of regional cooperation in shaping the future of exhibitions across the MEA region.' Naji El Haddad, UFI MEA Regional Director, adds, 'We are deeply grateful to our host, the Egypt Expo & Convention Authority, as well as all our sponsors, partners, speakers, and delegates who made the UFI MEA Conference in Cairo such a success. With over 160 participants from 26 countries, the conference offered exceptional networking opportunities, and we're thrilled to see how much everyone also enjoyed the vibrant city of Cairo. Egypt stands out as a key market for the business events industry, backed by its strategic location, strong economic outlook, growing infrastructure, and increasing investments in tourism and venue development, offering exciting opportunities for future growth.' Global Opportunities and Insights The conference programme featured a diverse mix of keynotes, panel discussions, and interviews with both global and regional leaders. Topics ranging from economic trends and tariffs, artificial intelligence, strategies for growth, and sustainability offered a closer look at regional dynamics and global industry shifts. The conference was also an opportunity for the UFI MEA Chapter to reconvene in person to share regional updates, exchange insights, and align on future initiatives for the region. All sessions will be made available to UFI members and conference participants as on-demand videos in the coming days. Celebrating a Century of Legacy As part of UFI's 100-year anniversary celebrations, the conference also paid tribute to nine long-standing members from the region. In recognition of their decades of dedication – spanning between 27 and 96 years of membership – each was presented with a personalised UFI MEA Legacy Trophy, honouring their commitment and contributions to the association. Recipients included Art Line (Egypt), IFP Group (Lebanon), Montgomery Group (South Africa), Riyadh Exhibitions Company (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait International Fair Co. (Kuwait), State Company for Iraqi Fairs & Commercial Services (Iraq), SAFEX (Algeria), Tripoli International Fair (Libya), and Tanzania Trade Development Authority (Tanzania). Exploring Cairo's Rich Culture Beyond the conference sessions, delegates experienced Cairo's rich history and vibrant culture through post-conference tours and networking dinners. Delegates enjoyed a cruise along the Nile River, tours of the historic Pyramids of Giza, and a guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which offered not just an opportunity to sightsee but also a chance to connect with fellow delegates and create lasting memories. Upcoming Events As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises annual regional conferences in the Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, as well as the UFI Global Congress. The next event will be the UFI European Events Week, which will take place from 3 to 7 June in Thessaloniki, Greece. The 92nd UFI Global Congress will take place in Hong Kong SAR from 19 to 22 November.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fonterra Announces Next Steps In Move Out Of Coal
As Fonterra officially opened the first electrode boiler at its Edendale site today, it announced further plans to progress decarbonisation at its Southern most site. The Co-operative will invest a further $70 million in two new electrode boilers as it moves away from using coal while securing renewable energy solutions to future-proof its sites. Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Simon Watts, who officially opened the existing plant alongside Fonterra Chief Operating Officer Anna Palairet, congratulated Fonterra on these next steps. 'The private sector has a leading role to play in increasing clean energy and meeting New Zealand's emissions targets. I am thrilled to see Fonterra building their renewable energy capacity and getting one step closer to meeting their decarbonisation goals.' The two new electrode boilers will replace two existing coal-fired boilers, providing renewable energy to support milk processing and future growth at the site including additional power and steam heat capacity for the new UHT plant currently being built. Fonterra's Anna Palairet says the investment is a key step in strengthening operations at Edendale. "Investing in renewable energy solutions, such as electrode boilers, will help ensure we can continue to process milk efficiently both now and in the future. Securing a reliable energy supply is critical to the resilience of our operations, and this investment will help future-proof Edendale for years to come." The investment also supports Fonterra's broader decarbonisation and emissions reduction targets*. Once the two new electrode boilers are complete, it is expected emissions at the site will be reduced by approximately 72,800 tonnes of CO2e annually, the equivalent of removing over 30,000 cars from New Zealand roads. This is forecast to result in an approximate 4%reduction** towards Fonterra's overall 2030 Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction target. General Manager Operations – Lower South Island, Andrew Johns says it's an exciting time for the site, with major investments shaping Edendale's future. 'With the new UHT plant coming online in 2026, the recently installed electrode boiler and now two more electrode boilers on the way, there's a real sense of progress here at Edendale. 'The investment is also great news for the local economy. Where possible we will be engaging with local contractors, and we expect over 400 people from Southland and wider New Zealand to be part of the team on site delivering this investment.' The investment is co-funded as part of a previously announced Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) partnership. EECA Chief Executive, Dr Marcos Pelenur, believes that 'the project is a positive step toward enhancing productivity, building resilient infrastructure, and ensuring long-term operational sustainability. This project supports greater energy security while laying the foundation for future growth and adaptability.' Construction is set to commence shortly, with the new boilers expected to be operational by August 2027. *The Co-operative's target is 50.4% absolute reduction of Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 2030 from a 2018 baseline. ** From a 2018 baseline. Further details on the Co-op's progress to reduce manufacturing emissions: Coal free in manufacturing operations in the North Island (November 2024): With the turning off of the Co-op's Waitoa site's last coal boiler, the Co-op announced it was no longer using coal in the North Island. Work continues to transition the five sites in the South Island that still use coal. Edendale electrode boiler (October 2024): The Co-op's first electrode boiler generates steam from electricity and cuts the site's annual overall emissions by around 37,500 tonnes – the equivalent of removing around 15,600 cars from New Zealand roads. Hautapu boiler conversion (August 2024): Conversion from coal to wood pellets, with an expected annual emissions reduction of around 12,000 tonnes – the equivalent of removing around 6,500 cars from New Zealand roads. Clandeboye heat recovery project (February 2024):The new heat recovery system in the Lactose plant aims to decrease annual carbon emissions by around 3,000 tonnes – the equivalent of removing around 1,250 cars from New Zealand roads. Waitoa wood biomass boiler (October 2024): The new boiler at Waitoa has halved coal usage at the site, cutting emissions by around 46,000 tonnes annually – the equivalent of removing around 20,000 cars from New Zealand roads. Whareroa heat pumps (September 2023): Installation of New Zealand's largest heat pumps as part of a refrigeration upgrade, decreasing annual carbon emissions by around 9,100 tonnes – the equivalent of removing around 3,800 cars from New Zealand roads. Stirling biomass boiler (August 2023): Stirling's wood biomass boiler has reduced annual carbon emissions by around 18,500 tonnes – the equivalent of removing around 7,700 cars from New Zealand roads – and is the Co-op's first site running on 100% renewable thermal energy. Te Awamutu boiler conversion (August 2020): Converted the coal boiler to use wood pellets, removing coal use and emissions by around 84,000 tonnes – the equivalent of removing around 35,000 cars from New Zealand roads. Brightwater biomass co-firing (September 2018): Moved to co-firing wood biomass, reducing overall annual site carbon emissions by around 2,400 tonnes – the equivalent of removing around 530 cars from New Zealand roads.
