Lines company Aurora Energy says it is looking for new ‘flexibility’ suppliers as demand for electrification in Queenstown and Wānaka increases.

Decarbonisation efforts, a move away from fossil fuels, and population growth are driving increased electrification - shifting from non-electric energy sources to electric ones - across the district.

As that demand increases, Aurora Energy’s network capacity and capability need to be ready to meet it, the company’s chief executive Richard Fletcher said.

Aurora Energy successfully partnered with a solar battery aggregator in Upper Clutha in 2022, and the first-of-its-kind solar initiative allowed the company to reduce peak load by one megawatt by injecting energy at the right time. 

The company is now putting out a call for more flexibility providers and large businesses in the district who can provide capacity support during peak times, he said.

Non-network solutions range from solar and batteries that generate electricity locally and options that shift electricity use away from peak time.

“This is a new area for the energy sector, and we want to understand what resources are available so we can fully integrate these into our network strategy as we work toward a decarbonised energy future.”

The local solar battery aggregator solution delayed major infrastructure upgrades by two years, which relieved pressure on the network and delivered cost savings for customers, Richard said.

More suppliers of this kind could help defer or avoid Aurora Energy’s network investments in the medium-term, he said.

PHOTO: Supplied