| 7 T Karen Phelps BEL Chief Executive Clark Nelson says that BEL’s vision is to build Buller’s community through energy, service and technology. ENERGY Buller Electricity As a major factor in the facilitation of economic growth in the Buller District, Buller Electricity Limited (BEL) is proud to be owned by the Buller consumers. The local electricity distribution company supplies 4790 consumers located in a distribution area extending from Meybille Bay in the south (5km north of Punakaiki), to Karamea in the north. Much of the distribution area covered is rural incorporating significant dairy and beef farming, with the main population being based in the Westport township. Coal mining at the Stockton opencast mine continues to be a major employer and electricity consumer in the region. BEL Chief Executive Clark Nelson says that BEL’s vision is to build Buller’s community through energy, service and technology. It does this by leveraging innovative technology and building partnerships to maximise sustainable value and supporting the community in any way possible. A good example is BEL’s sponsorship including an annual scholarship programme identified as the Buller Electricity Scholarship Trust. The Buller Electric Power Board and Buller Electricity Limited celebrated providing 50 years of service to the people of the Buller on 11 December 1997. To commemorate this achievement the company established the scholarship, which was offered for the first time in 1999. The aim is to assist students from the Buller region to attend university and obtain qualifications of relevance to the electricity industry. Clark says numerous scholarships are awarded each year providing Buller’s young people with great opportunities. BEL also sponsors many other community initiatives such as being the naming rights sponsor of the Pulse Energy Recreation Centre and the Karamea Pulse Energy Centre. It has also sponsored the Buller Civic and Sporting Awards via Pulse Energy for a number of years. Established in 1947 BEL is owned by its consumers via the Buller Electric Power Trust. While its core activity is electricity distribution, Buller Electricity also operates an electrical contracting business, Electro Services Limited, and is a significant owner of the electricity retailer Pulse Energy Limited. Electro Service Limited offers expertise in all areas of electrical work including domestic/commercial/industrial wiring systems, refrigeration and heat pumps, electrical inspections and industrial power control systems. It offers an urgent on-call after hours repair service to ensure Buller’s commercial and industrial sector can operate efficiently. Clark says future proofing the BEL network is a key focus with significant weather events on the rise and the imminent possibility of shifts in the Alpine fault line. This has included reviewing the seismic strength rating on its buildings, ensuring assets are performing optimally and are as protected as possible in weather events and putting more resilience into the network across the Buller River. Contingencies are also in place for such events, for example Karamea has backup generators. Buller Electricity has also seen the impact in the community from recent weather events and the direct impact this has had on its own staff’s wellbeing. The company has provided support to staff through several initiatives including a wellbeing program with the aim that it will be run internally by staff in the future. Clark says more people are moving to the Future proofing a focus Future proofing the BEL network is a key focus with significant weather events on the rise and the imminent possibility of shifts in the Alpine fault line. region but BEL is unique in that it delivers to a widespread and smaller customer base than is the case in New Zealand’s larger cities. A current challenge is proposed changes to Transpower’s pricing methodology, which could have a direct impact on Buller consumers. Clark says that BEL is committed to doing everything it can to ensure fair treatment of its consumers.BEL employs a team of around 50 making it a significant employer in the region. Clark says that BEL takes great pride in its position in Buller and recognises its importance to the local community. J.A. Russell Ltd ELECTRICAL & DATA SUPPLIERS Proudly supporting Buller Electricity 03 789 6300 www.jarussell.co.nz westport@radcliffe.co.nz
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