Aurora Energy is searching for non-network solutions to manage growth in electricity demand in the Upper Clutha.

Non-network solutions are ones which exclude the usual approach of electricity poles and wires, Aurora Energy general manager asset management and planning Glenn Coates said.

“We are looking for peak demand reduction and non-network solutions that will not only help us defer spending on upgrading our network to cater for growth in areas like the Upper Clutha … but also fast track the use of technology that will help New Zealand move to electrification and decarbonisation as part of its climate change goals,” Glenn said.

Aurora Energy has a five-year work programme to invest in upgrades to the electricity network after a history of under-investment, which has led to higher costs for customers.

See also: ‘More electricity line price hikes hit Wānaka customers’

Glenn said changes in technology, an increase in the number of people with electric vehicles and more people generating their own electricity are some of the reasons Aurora is looking for energy solutions to meet the demand for electricity in the fast-growing area.  

“We are inviting all distributed energy resource providers, owners, flexibility traders, and new market entrants to contribute to our decarbonised energy future,” he said.

Aurora Energy is interested also in hearing from customers who generate their own electricity and who may already be in discussions with their retailers or flexibility traders to identify the best ways to feed back into the grid when demand is high, he said. 

“For companies like Aurora Energy, we need to ensure our network and operating systems can adapt to enable the uptake of new technologies.”

Interested parties can visit Aurora Energy’s website on non-network capacity support here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App