Powerco and EECA launch flexibility trial to explore smarter energy use in Ōmokoroa
Powerco, in partnership with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), is launching a new energy trial in Ōmokoroa, western Bay of Plenty, to explore smarter ways of using electricity and managing peak demand of power.
The electricity flexibility trial will test how managing certain technologies, such as heating and energy storage, particularly heat pumps, hot water cylinders, residential batteries, and possibly EV chargers and vehicle-to-grid technology, can help shift electricity use away from peak electricity use times. For the Ōmokoroa trial, these are the evening peak hours in winter.
Ōmokoroa is one of the fastest growing areas on Powerco’s electricity network. Meeting future demand through traditional infrastructure would require significant investment. This trial will explore whether flexible energy use can help delay or reduce the need for those upgrades.
Powerco DSO Programme Director, Ryno Verster, says the trial is about finding practical, customer-focused solutions for the future energy system.
“Electricity demand tends to spike for short periods, especially on winter evenings. Traditionally, networks are built to meet those peaks, resulting in spare capacity most of the time.
“This trial is about testing whether we can use that existing capacity more efficiently, by shifting when electricity is used without impacting our customers’ everyday lives,” says Ryno Verster.
The trial will begin with a small number of Ōmokoroa households in winter 2026, before expanding over the following two years. Eligible participants may receive financial support towards upgrading their home with new technology, such as residential batteries, home energy management systems or smart hot water systems, to take part in the trial.
EECA Group Manager of Policy and Regulation, Murray Bell, says this is the second community pilot to launch in an exciting nationwide programme looking at how to unlock the full national potential of flexible electricity use.
EECA research shows using electricity more flexibly in homes and businesses could deliver up to $3 billion a year in savings for the country.
“Pilots in communities like Ōmokoroa will inform our work as a regulator, helping us ensure we have the right standards and settings in place so that households and businesses can benefit as much as possible from this huge cost-saving opportunity,” says Murray Bell.
“What we learn from this community will benefit communities across Aotearoa facing growing electricity demand.”
“The evidence from this and other pilots around New Zealand will help inform future flexible electricity programmes that could reduce cost pressures for all electricity users, including households,” says Murray Bell.
Ōmokoroa residents can now pre-register their interest in participating. Installers, retailers and other industry stakeholders are also encouraged to get in contact. To pre-register for the trial and to find out more, visit: powerco.co.nz/asimpleshift.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is the government agency that works to improve the energy efficiency of New Zealand’s homes and businesses and encourages the uptake of renewable energy. Its purpose is to mobilise New Zealanders to be world leaders in clean and clever energy use.
The electricity flexibility trial will test how managing certain technologies, such as heating and energy storage, particularly heat pumps, hot water cylinders, residential batteries, and possibly EV chargers and vehicle-to-grid technology, can help shift electricity use away from peak electricity use times. For the Ōmokoroa trial, these are the evening peak hours in winter.
Ōmokoroa is one of the fastest growing areas on Powerco’s electricity network. Meeting future demand through traditional infrastructure would require significant investment. This trial will explore whether flexible energy use can help delay or reduce the need for those upgrades.
Powerco DSO Programme Director, Ryno Verster, says the trial is about finding practical, customer-focused solutions for the future energy system.
“Electricity demand tends to spike for short periods, especially on winter evenings. Traditionally, networks are built to meet those peaks, resulting in spare capacity most of the time.
“This trial is about testing whether we can use that existing capacity more efficiently, by shifting when electricity is used without impacting our customers’ everyday lives,” says Ryno Verster.
The trial will begin with a small number of Ōmokoroa households in winter 2026, before expanding over the following two years. Eligible participants may receive financial support towards upgrading their home with new technology, such as residential batteries, home energy management systems or smart hot water systems, to take part in the trial.
EECA Group Manager of Policy and Regulation, Murray Bell, says this is the second community pilot to launch in an exciting nationwide programme looking at how to unlock the full national potential of flexible electricity use.
EECA research shows using electricity more flexibly in homes and businesses could deliver up to $3 billion a year in savings for the country.
“Pilots in communities like Ōmokoroa will inform our work as a regulator, helping us ensure we have the right standards and settings in place so that households and businesses can benefit as much as possible from this huge cost-saving opportunity,” says Murray Bell.
“What we learn from this community will benefit communities across Aotearoa facing growing electricity demand.”
“The evidence from this and other pilots around New Zealand will help inform future flexible electricity programmes that could reduce cost pressures for all electricity users, including households,” says Murray Bell.
Ōmokoroa residents can now pre-register their interest in participating. Installers, retailers and other industry stakeholders are also encouraged to get in contact. To pre-register for the trial and to find out more, visit: powerco.co.nz/asimpleshift.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is the government agency that works to improve the energy efficiency of New Zealand’s homes and businesses and encourages the uptake of renewable energy. Its purpose is to mobilise New Zealanders to be world leaders in clean and clever energy use.
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