We’re putting our energy where it matters…

At Contact, we’re always looking for ways to get smarter with energy and help our environment. Here’s a snap shot of what we’ve been doing to help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels (in a small way) during time of high demand on the electricity grid:

Solar hot water diversion system trial

• The technology - testing the benefits that solar and hot water diversion technology can provide our customers
• The test - sending excess solar energy to the hot water cylinder rather than exporting it to the grid.
• The benefit - the cylinder remains hotter for longer, reducing the need to continue heating the water in the evening.
• The result - so far we’ve had (on average) up to 38% of the solar electricity generated able to be used to heat the water cylinder. Meaning customers can store and use more of their own energy

Solar and battery trial

• The technology - rooftop solar and storage batteries were installed in a number of homes
• The test - to see whether these households can manage the breakfast and dinner electricity demand peaks by switching from grid to battery power during the busy times.
• The benefit - to flexibly manage how and when electricity is consumed is becoming really important as more electric vehicles appear on our roads.
• The result – it’s still a work in progress but we will update you on our blog as this trial plays out.

One of the major challenges facing New Zealand, and indeed all countries, is the need to mitigate the worst effects of climate change by reducing our carbon emissions. 

Our country is blessed with an abundance of renewable resources, specifically geothermal and hydro complemented to a lesser extent by wind and solar, which is used to produce electricity. As a result, much of New Zealand’s electricity is generated from renewable low carbon sources. 

At Contact, 80% of the electricity we produce comes from renewable sources with the other 20% keeping the lights on when the rain doesn’t come and the wind doesn’t blow.

What are we doing to work towards a low carbon emission New Zealand?

• By producing roughly the same amount of electricity as we did 6 years ago, but reducing our emissions by 51% and gas purchases by 64%.
• By being a strong supporter of electric vehicles with nearly 30% of our fleet being electric.
• By introducing innovative programmes like our Green Borrowing Programme, which allows investors, for the first time ever, to have the opportunity to invest in certified Green Debt Instruments issued by a New Zealand company.
• By working with some of our energy intensive business customers to help them identify opportunities to transition to efficient, low carbon energy solutions. 

Our goal is to decarbonise the energy sector, and help all our customers explore ways to lower their emissions profiles. 

Just some examples of Contact putting our energy where it matters.

Check out our ‘Contact Energy low carb series’ clips on YouTube – we’ve had a bit of fun with these.