PowerHubs
A PowerHub is a backup power solution that helps keep a community building, such as a hall or marae, running if there’s an outage on the electricity network.
Each PowerHub includes a standalone power system (SAPS) that uses a battery and diesel generator combination to provide power. The SAPS unit is connected to an automatic transfer switch (ATS), which connects to the community building.
This means if the electricity network goes down, it automatically switches the community building to backup power, which can be used for essential services such as lighting, heating, cooking, hot water and device charging. When network power is restored, the building automatically switches back to normal power supply.
The SAPS unit is fully enclosed and typically housed in a shipping container close to the community building it powers during outages.
During an emergency, these buildings can help communities stay connected and may be used by Civil Defence as welfare sites.
On the Powerco network, there are PowerHubs in Ākitio and Harataunga, and plans for more at Maketū and Waitara.
FAQ
The PowerHub initiative emerged after Cyclone Gabrielle, through discussions with National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) groups and other stakeholders within our electricity network areas. At the same time, we were identifying supply vulnerabilities and prioritising resilience investments.
No, a PowerHub is not for everyday use - it’s only for power outages.
No, a PowerHub provides backup power during outages. The building remains connected to the network for its normal electricity supply, so standard electricity use and charges still apply.
The SAPS unit works alongside the solar system, allowing the building’s solar to assist charging the unit’s batteries, helping make the most of stored energy and extend power during outages. The Harataunga Marae PowerHub has a solar supply that complements the SAPS unit.
Each community may use its PowerHub differently during an outage, but they can all be a place of connection and access to electricity during extended outages.
During lengthy outages, PowerHubs can help communities stay connected and act as a Civil Defence emergency hub.
A PowerHub powers the building it is connected to and provide power for lighting, heating, cooking, hot water and device charging. A PowerHub does not power every home nearby or replace the electricity network.
Each SAPs unit is designed to provide power for a week to 10 days, but this varies depending on how much power is being used.
We maintain the PowerHubs and manage faults. If people notice a fault they should contact us.
A PowerHub is designed to extend the time a community facility can operate during an outage – usually around a week to 10 days. The diesel generator can be refuelled and, if the site is connected to solar (and it is sunny), these fuel sources can help charge the batteries and extend the operating time of the SAPS.
The building the PowerHub is connected to uses power supplied by the electricity network in normal conditions, and the PowerHub only switches in when needed.
We work with emergency management groups, local stakeholders and communities to identify suitable sites where backup power would provide the greatest resilience benefit.
We are working through priority locations with emergency management partners. Contact us to find out more.
