36 | ENERGY Wellington Electricity “We have to ensure that the move to electrification does not mean unaffordability and insecurity of electricity for consumers. Using the network more sustainably will bring environmental benefits and could also result in cost savings for consumers.” Greg Skelton Planning ahead for changing times T Karen Phelps The EV Connect Road-map used stakeholder feedback to draft the actions and steps needed to accommodate EVs onto the region’s electricity network. Climate change is going to alter the way consumers use electricity. And Wellington Electricity has already started that conversation with customers, says CEO Greg Skelton. “It’s about thinking ahead about how we use electricity and the network more effectively rather than necessarily just investing in a lot more infrastructure,” says Greg. “It’s about how our customers choices and behaviour influence our electricity network and how we engage as consumers with the network of the future,” he says. Wellington Electricity manages the poles, wires and equipment that safely deliver electricity to about 171,000 homes and businesses in the Wellington, Hutt Valley and Porirua regions. Greg says that the climate change decarbonisation work streams to electrify transportation, transition from gas to electricity and to electrify manufacturing process heat and domestic gas supply will increase electricity consumption on the Wellington network by 80%. However, he says that almost half of the expected increase in demand from the decarbonisation initiatives can be met by the existing network if demand from EV charging and hot water gas to electric heating is shifted to less congested periods. Greg says that by looking at how to use the network more efficiently - for example charging cars at night away from peak energy demand periods and greater use of solar panels with ability to store excess energy for use at other times - will essentially add capacity to the grid as people become more energy efficient. “Studies show that a small EV will increase household electricity use by 35%. T “his can be supported most of the time but becomes challenging during winter peak demand periods when the network is already busy. “We have to ensure that the move to electrification does not mean unaffordability and insecurity of electricity for consumers. “sing the network more sustainably will bring environmental benefits and could also result in cost savings for consumers,” he says. The right information is important to find the best way forward. Wellington Electricity is proud to be involved in EV Connect project, jointly supported by EECA, where through stakeholder consultation, the study aims to ensure electricity remains affordable and the network remains reliable. The result has been the EV Connect Roadmap, which used stakeholder feedback to draft the actions and steps needed to accommodate EVs onto the electricity network. Greg says that further stakeholder feedback is currently being sought and the final roadmap will provide a robust set of actions that stakeholders can use to inform their own EV programmes. Resilience planning means that Wellington Electricity has also been undertaking a great deal of work to secure its network in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake. This has seen it invest $32m on improving its earthquake readiness including critical equipment to ensure supply can start to return earlier if parts of Wellington get cut off in an event. “This is important as the Wellington CBD is the largest business and retail centre for the region and includes the head offices for most government departments, explains Greg. “There are also a number of network security-sensitive customers such as Weta Digital, Datacom and Department of Corrections. “While our hope is that we never have to use this it does mean that we now can respond quickly. It’s part of the trend we are seeing where consumers are more at the centre of energy conversations.” Up high, or down low, Treescape® safely clears theway. Maintenance to keep things clearer and greener for the future. Sustainable solutions for your GreenAsset Management plans. 0800 873 396 treescape.co.nz
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