Energy

By empowering people to take control of their electricity consumption, Basis smart panels can reduce power bills by up to 20% and lower the risk of electrical fires by 90%.

Basis smart panels replace traditional switchboards with a more intelligent and efficient solution. By enabling insights and control over energy usage, Basis empowers users to reduce energy costs and minimise the risk of electrical fires. Basis smart panels seamlessly integrate with the grid, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Ecogas converts organic waste to produce enough electricity every year to power the equivalent of 2,500 homes. 

Ecogas uses anaerobic digestion at its Reporoa facility to process 75,000 tonnes of organic waste, from businesses and kerbside food scrap collections throughout the North Island. The waste is converted into renewable energy and bio fertiliser for farmland in the district. Ecogas’ technology exemplifies a sustainable waste solution that benefits multiple sectors. It contributes to energy independence and agricultural health, while addressing the country’s organic waste challenge.

A $78 million deal between New Zealand Green Investment Finance and Far North Solar Farm will help fund solar projects that will generate enough power for 178,000 homes.

The pioneering finance model aims to accelerate solar farm development and extra renewable energy capacity in Aotearoa New Zealand. The deal funds five solar sites. When fully operational they will generate about 15% of the nation’s daytime electricity demand and displace 136,000 tonnes of emissions annually. By advancing renewable energy infrastructure at scale, New Zealand Green Investment Finance and Far North Solar Farm are helping meet critical energy needs while promoting environmental resilience.

Lodestone Energy leads Aotearoa New Zealand’s grid-scale solar market, disrupting the traditional energy landscape with its solar farms that provide 100% renewable electricity.

The company’s five solar farms will generate enough energy to power 50,000 homes, or a city about the size of Hamilton, and will offset more than 40,000 tonnes of emissions. Lodestone’s virtual rooftop solar model offers businesses additional long-term price certainty in a volatile market, furthering economic and environmental sustainability and resilience. Its innovative rotating panels are 30-40% more productive compared to fixed panels. In a New Zealand first, the panels are raised 2m above the ground, so traditional agricultural activities, such as sheep grazing, can take place on the same land. With several solar projects in progress, Lodestone Energy is giving Kiwis an alternative power option and playing a key role in the effort to meet our zero carbon goals.

The Kāinga Ora solar initiative has reduced annual power bills by up to $1,000 for more than 630 households.

The organisation’s Renewable Energy Programme installs solar panels on social housing, providing energy savings to low income families. Kāinga Ora maximises solar benefits by selling excess energy and redistributing the revenue to support energy hardship. Kāinga Ora has also launched a Multiple Trading Trial that allows it to monetise the exported electricity from its solar panels and use these funds to benefit other public housing customers experiencing energy hardship.

In 2024 alone, Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey has presented at more than 100 events, welcomed more than 12,000 visitors to his all-electric orchard near Cromwell and made close to 100 media appearances.

Through Rewiring Aotearoa, Mike advocates for an electric-powered economy to reduce emissions and cut costs, empowering New Zealanders to make more sustainable choices. With an all-electric cherry orchard in central Otago as a living example, Mike has demonstrated the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning from fossil fuels. Annually, his electric orchard saves $50,000 in energy costs and about 50 tonnes of emissions. His work repositions climate action as financially beneficial and promotes household and business electrification to help reduce emissions.

Toast Electric’s not-for-profit model channels 100% of profits towards alleviating energy hardship.

Founded by Sustainability Trust, Toast Electric currently donates 200,000kWh annually, thanks to the $2 million in annual electricity revenue generated from its values-based retail customers. For every four households, or small businesses, that purchase their electricity from Toast Electric, the organisation provides discounted electricity, advice and home improvements to one household living in energy hardship. Toast Electric is using energy services to drive positive social change in Aotearoa New Zealand.