Equitable Energy

Sheralee MacDonald,who is an Innovation Facilitator for Orion, told us of various ways in which that company is assisting work towards a zero carbon future which we aim to reach by 2050. Orion is the community-owned electricity distributor for Canterbury, covering the area from the Waimakariri to the Rakaia, and up to Arthur’s Pass. Locally we get electricity mainly from the hydro power station at Lake Coleridge, but there are currently many proposals being considered for large solar farms, including Kowhai Park near the Christchurch Airport.

It’s surprising to know that in 1918 there were 200 electric trucks in Christchurch, although their speed and range was limited.

In recent years there has been a huge increase in the number of solar panels being installed on houses, and the number of shared vehicles is growing, all helping us to limit our carbon emissions. We will need more electricity as coal use decreases and more people move to electric vehicles. The challenge is to balance supply with demand.

Energy Equity is a strategy to ensure that no-one is left behind because they can’t afford new technologies. For example, through Empower Energy those who have extra solar power can donate it to those who need it.

People who live in housing units where different owners have different electricity retailers can share solar energy through Multiple Trading Relationships. If you’d like to know more about surveys and trials under way Orion have a forum for this.

Electrical energy is a basic human need, and a change in our behaviour is as necessary as new technology. I didn’t learn much that was new from Sheralee’s presentation, but it was interesting to get an overview.

Unfortunately we devour
a bit too much electric power