A year in, the project’s proving a win-win. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has fulfilled its commitment to care for its land and the environment. From December 2016 to April 2017, the households were provided 47% of their electricity needs directly from their individual solar systems, saving the equivalent of 12.55 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e). For Vector, our involvement reflects our commitment to a lower carbon economy and greater social equality. We absolutely believe that the pursuit of competitive returns is compatible with our drive to deliver clean and affordable energy, innovate the infrastructure we’re responsible for, and contribute to more sustainable cities and communities. And the best place for us to start doing that is at home, in Auckland. New behaviours Perhaps most importantly, this initiative is making a real difference at a of this community has made them more aware of their power bills, and that’s pushing them to really try to reduce their bill as much as possible. So we’re seeing a shift in personal behaviour over and above the changes prompted by the technology. Residents can directly influence the impact that the solar panels are having – on their lives and on the lives of those around them. day-to-day level for the people who are using this new technology. Residents at Kupe Street have said that being part
When my cousin got her first bill she said ‘this is great’. And it was like $50. Then she actively tried to challenge herself to bring it down … now, I think one of the lowest power bills she got was $13.
COMMERCIAL IMPERATIVES:// This is a real-life opportunity for Vector to understand the potential impact of new technologies and new business models in a rapidly changing energy environment. We can directly appraise the impact and usage patterns of networked solar and batteries, both at a household level and across a cluster of households. This will help us plan the longer-term network infrastructure requirements for Auckland as it continues to rapidly expand. Vector and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s already strong relationship has been further strengthened because everyone’s needs are being met. SOCIAL IMPERATIVES:// The Vector-Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei relationship is undertaken in a spirit of true partnership, providing an energy- focused model for engaging with the community, delivering meaningful social and economic benefits. By encouraging greater self-sufficiency, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has been able to stay true to its core principles as kaitiaki (guardians) of the land. Vector has enabled all residents to achieve access to the very latest technology. This initiative aligns with our commitments to four United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Affordable and Clean Energy; Reduced Inequalities; Climate Action; and Partnerships for the Goals.
— NGĀTI WHĀTUA ŌRĀKEI RESIDENT
Savings
21
Vector://AR 17
Made with FlippingBook Annual report