Latest news with #Transpower
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Transpower chair calls for major reform of electricity market
Outgoing Transpower chair Keith Turner says the country's electricity sector needs real reform and changes around the edges will not do. And he says there are doable changes, such as introducing the single buyer model, that will reduce the share price of the so-called big four gentailers, and ultimately lead to lower prices for consumers and a more productive economy. Keith leaves after a 50-year career in electricity here and in Australia that has included stints as chief executive of one of the country's biggest generator-retailers and leading the setup of the country's grid operator, Transpower, where he finished as chair last week. Keith was also pivotal as one of the members of the 1989 Electricity Taskforce that laid out the blueprint for the reforms for the electricity industry we have today. But it is a system that is now delivering high prices to consumers and high profits to four generator-retailer companies. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
NZ Herald
25-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Meridian opens $186m battery farm to boost Northland's energy resilience
However, it could also mean power gets reinstated more quickly after events such as the blackout caused when one of the pylons carrying the region's main electricity supply north of Auckland collapsed last June. Perched about a kilometre from Northland's largest port and opposite a Transpower substation, the storage system is Meridian's first project in Northland and phase one of its planned Ruakākā Energy Park. Already connected to the national grid for activation once final tests are complete, the facility was officially opened on Friday. Meridian's general manager of development Guy Waipara said the facility was capable of storing 200 megawatt hours of power and at full capacity, could release 100 megawatts of power for two hours to 60,000 households. It represented a growing trend towards distributed energy resources that could respond quickly to grid needs while supporting the shift to renewable energy, Waipara said. 'When demand is low and power is cheap or there's lots of wind or solar power being generated, we can charge the system. 'When demand peaks – like at 7pm when everyone comes home and turns on their ovens – we can discharge stored power." Waipara said that balancing capability reduced reliance on fossil fuel plants that would otherwise need to be activated during peak demand periods. The storage system could be charged when power prices were cheaper or power was in lesser demand, for instance overnight, or when there was lots of wind or solar power being generated. It could potentially undergo daily charging and discharging cycles multiple times daily, depending on demand patterns and renewable energy production. Stored power could be released at peak times but also if there was a problem with the grid. It would be a crucial support for the second stage of Meridian's Ruakākā Energy Park – a $227 million solar farm planned for the 172ha adjoining the 2ha corner on which the battery storage facility sits. Work on the farm was expected to start this August with power production possible in 2027. Waipara said specific details about the system's role during major infrastructure failures were not yet known. However, the increased localised generation and storage capacity in Northland would inherently improve the region's resilience in an electricity crisis. It couldn't prevent a blackout of the type caused when a pylon collapsed but could accelerate recovery by providing power for extended periods. Together the two assets – the storage facility and the solar farm – would help restore power where it was crucially needed markedly faster, Waipara said. Having power at their door, would enable distribution companies to better manage supply to critical infrastructure like CBDs, hospitals, and schools. Waipara could not say whether the projects would bring down the region's notoriously high power prices. However, he said it would certainly put downward pressure on them. Asked about the consent process for the planned 250,000-panelled solar farm, Waipara said it had been lengthy and expensive. In January this year, the Environment Court signed off a mediated agreement between Meridian, Forest and Bird, and Fish and Game. The environmental organisations had concerns, particularly about the protection of local wetlands. The company agreed to fence off 9ha of wetland areas on the wind farm site and to establish a new 5ha wetland near the Ruakākā shops. Waipara said he was personally excited about those projects, which would include the installation of about 200,000 new plants. He said Meridian had been working closely with local hapū since 2021 and would continue to do so. He said a key lesson for the company was the importance of reaching agreements with stakeholders before going to adjudication. Waipara emphasised the need to 'come up with an agreement that makes sense for all parties involved' rather than relying on the formal RMA (Resource Management Act) process. The community was expected to benefit from some of the 100 jobs likely to be created by the energy park. Meridian had also prioritised using local contractors where possible, Waipara said. He said the company would undoubtedly make use of the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024 in future but that would not lessen its commitment to high environmental and cultural standards. Fast-tracking shouldn't mean cutting corners on ecological work, stakeholder engagement, or iwi consultation, Waipara said.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Not The Growth We Need: Budget 2025 Delivers Growing Energy Bills And Energy Insecurity
Press Release – NZGBC Investing in a sustainable energy system and energy efficiency would have been a huge win not only because it supports New Zealand households and business to keep electricity bills down, but its the cheapest way of improving supply. On Monday Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the budget is what keeps the lights on in our hospitals and schools. Unfortunately, Budget 2025 leaves us staring at a flickering bulb, the New Zealand Green Building Council says. Just last week Transpower warned New Zealand is at risk of electricity blackouts unless more supply is brought online. 'As Kiwis face sharply rising energy bills, businesses shut down or scale back production due to the energy crisis, and our nation entertains the thought of periods without power in the depths of winter, it defies belief that Budget 2025 fails to deliver adequate investment or action,' says NZGBC chief executive Andrew Eagles. Despite committing at COP26 to a global doubling of energy efficiency and tripling of renewable electricity, the government has cut funding for its own energy champions; the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), by over $14 million a year – or $56 million over the next four vital years leading to our 2030 climate targets. 'Instead of making progress, Budget 2025 takes us a step backwards – slashing vital funding for efforts to support clean, efficient energy use, and instead supporting a ramping up of fossil fuel exploration,' Budget 2025 sets aside $200 million over four years for co-investment in new gas fields. 'Rather than investing in solutions, this budget aims to subsidise new gas fields at a time when nations around the globe are transitioning away from it. Our neighbours in Australia are even banning new household gas connections and supporting alternative heating solutions, yet our government is actively trying to continue our reliance on fossil fuels.' 'Investing in a sustainable energy system and energy efficiency would have been a huge win – not only because it supports New Zealand households and business to keep electricity bills down, but it's the cheapest way of improving supply.' Scaling up help for homes and businesses to be more energy efficient through switching to electric heating, better insulation, ventilation, smarter design, and storing energy, reduces how much peak energy and gas we use at home. That way, more energy is available for businesses that depend on it to keep working. It's a win for Kiwi's back pockets, energy security, and our businesses. Nothing for Kiwis living in unhealthy, cold homes. While it's great to see further investment in our health system, it remains an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff approach. In-line with decades of inaction, Budget 2025 fails to address the woeful state of New Zealand's homes which are putting huge pressure on the health system. Last year's budget scaled back the hugely successful Warmer Kiwi Homes, this year the trend continues, with no new support for arguably the best cost-to-benefit investment a government could make. 'Our country's health system is struggling, our rates of respiratory illness are shameful, and the state of New Zealand's homes is making thousands of Kiwis sick. A really savvy investment would have been to help ease the burden at the cause.' Where's climate? Finally, there appears to be no support in this year's budget for businesses, households or New Zealand generally to decarbonise, or to address the gaping hole in our Emissions Reduction Plan left by the expected failure of carbon capture and storage initiatives. 'We're in a climate crisis, yet there's nothing in Budget 2025 for our Climate Minister to even issue a press release on. That about sums it up really.'
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Not The Growth We Need: Budget 2025 Delivers Growing Energy Bills And Energy Insecurity
On Monday Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the budget is what keeps the lights on in our hospitals and schools. Unfortunately, Budget 2025 leaves us staring at a flickering bulb, the New Zealand Green Building Council says. Just last week Transpower warned New Zealand is at risk of electricity blackouts unless more supply is brought online. 'As Kiwis face sharply rising energy bills, businesses shut down or scale back production due to the energy crisis, and our nation entertains the thought of periods without power in the depths of winter, it defies belief that Budget 2025 fails to deliver adequate investment or action,' says NZGBC chief executive Andrew Eagles. Despite committing at COP26 to a global doubling of energy efficiency and tripling of renewable electricity, the government has cut funding for its own energy champions; the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), by over $14 million a year – or $56 million over the next four vital years leading to our 2030 climate targets. 'Instead of making progress, Budget 2025 takes us a step backwards – slashing vital funding for efforts to support clean, efficient energy use, and instead supporting a ramping up of fossil fuel exploration,' Budget 2025 sets aside $200 million over four years for co-investment in new gas fields. 'Rather than investing in solutions, this budget aims to subsidise new gas fields at a time when nations around the globe are transitioning away from it. Our neighbours in Australia are even banning new household gas connections and supporting alternative heating solutions, yet our government is actively trying to continue our reliance on fossil fuels.' 'Investing in a sustainable energy system and energy efficiency would have been a huge win – not only because it supports New Zealand households and business to keep electricity bills down, but it's the cheapest way of improving supply.' Scaling up help for homes and businesses to be more energy efficient through switching to electric heating, better insulation, ventilation, smarter design, and storing energy, reduces how much peak energy and gas we use at home. That way, more energy is available for businesses that depend on it to keep working. It's a win for Kiwi's back pockets, energy security, and our businesses. Nothing for Kiwis living in unhealthy, cold homes. While it's great to see further investment in our health system, it remains an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff approach. In-line with decades of inaction, Budget 2025 fails to address the woeful state of New Zealand's homes which are putting huge pressure on the health system. Last year's budget scaled back the hugely successful Warmer Kiwi Homes, this year the trend continues, with no new support for arguably the best cost-to-benefit investment a government could make. 'Our country's health system is struggling, our rates of respiratory illness are shameful, and the state of New Zealand's homes is making thousands of Kiwis sick. A really savvy investment would have been to help ease the burden at the cause.' Where's climate? Finally, there appears to be no support in this year's budget for businesses, households or New Zealand generally to decarbonise, or to address the gaping hole in our Emissions Reduction Plan left by the expected failure of carbon capture and storage initiatives. 'We're in a climate crisis, yet there's nothing in Budget 2025 for our Climate Minister to even issue a press release on. That about sums it up really.'
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Te Tai Tokerau Impact Fund Allocates $200,000 To 17 Projects Across Northland
Press Release – Te Tai Tokerau Impact Fund The fund, which offers grants of up to $20,000, is administered by Northland Inc and NorthChamber, with support from Transpower and Omexom. The fund is designed to back initiatives that strengthen regional outcomes through local enterprise and collaboration. Seventeen projects across Te Tai Tokerau have received support through the first round of the Te Tai Tokerau Impact Fund, with $200,000 allocated to initiatives spanning education, business development, events, and community projects. The fund, which offers grants of up to $20,000, is administered by Northland Inc and NorthChamber, with support from Transpower and Omexom. The fund is designed to back initiatives that strengthen regional outcomes through local enterprise and collaboration. Leah McKerrow, CEO of NorthChamber, said the panel was impressed by both the quality and volume of applications received. 'The selection panel was pleased to allocate funding to such a diverse range of projects. It's inspiring to see the commitment and creativity of our local businesses and community groups. A key criteria we applied was the impact that these initiatives would have on the wider community. We're confident these initiatives will make a meaningful impact across Northland.' Applications came from across the region, with 47% of the successful projects identifying as Māori-led. Vaughan Cooper, Head of Investment and Infrastructure at Northland Inc, said the high interest in the fund reflects strong regional momentum. 'The response to this fund highlights the depth of innovation and enterprise in Te Tai Tokerau. It's particularly encouraging to see such a high proportion of Māori-led projects coming through – a testament to the strength and leadership within our Māori business community. Supporting these initiatives contributes to wider regional resilience and long-term economic growth.' The fund's focus is on helping projects get off the ground or grow to the next stage – with funding supporting areas such as business capability, planning, infrastructure, or partnerships that deliver measurable regional benefit. Northland MP Grant McCallum, who advocated for regional investment following last year's power outage, acknowledged the role of the fund in enabling local momentum. 'Following the electricity disruption caused by the transmission tower fall, I pushed for tangible support for Northland communities. It's encouraging to see 17 diverse initiatives supported across the region — a clear reflection of the hard work and ambition driving Te Tai Tokerau forward.' Transpower's Executive General Manager Customer & External Affairs Raewyn Moss was part of the panel which selected successful projects. 'There were many excellent submissions, and it was great to see the opportunities this fund can deliver to help Northland grow more resilient. Our next round of funding is now open for applications.' Applications for the second round of the fund close on Friday, 6 June. Businesses, business associations, and community groups with projects that align with the fund's aims are encouraged to apply. More information on eligibility and the application process is available at: About the Te Tai Tokerau Impact Fund The Te Tai Tokerau Impact Fund is a targeted investment programme supporting regional business and community development initiatives that deliver clear benefits for Northland. Projects can apply for between $5,000 and $20,000 in funding. The fund is administered by Northland Inc and NorthChamber, with funding provided by Transpower and its Northland contractor Omexom, as part of a commitment to invest in the region following the transmission tower failure in 2023. Funding decisions are made by a panel with representatives from Northland Inc, NorthChamber, Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau Māori Business Network, and Transpower. Projects are assessed on their alignment with the fund's goals, including regional impact, resilience, innovation, and readiness for delivery.
