Solar, batteries and smart technology


As well as making sure there’s enough electricity coming into the region, we want to ensure Queenstown has a modern, responsive and resilient electricity system that supports more rooftop solar, batteries and other smart technology.

This kind of technology works alongside traditional electricity transmission and gives consumers more flexibility in how they generate, store and manage their own electricity. It includes things like solar panels on homes and businesses, battery storage systems, electric vehicles, and smart EV chargers and hot water control.

It can also help to reduce peak demand and supports system resilience.

NB: You may also hear organisations referring to technology like this as “distributed energy resources” or “DER”.

What are the benefits of using solar, batteries and other smart technology 

  • Homes and businesses have more control over how they manage their energy 

  • Reduced power bills by using locally generated, renewable energy 

  • Reducing peak demand on the electricity network by using stored energy from batteries, and smart technology shifting use to off-peak times e.g. hot water and EV charging

  • Supporting network resilience during outages, severe weather or natural disasters

  • Helping New Zealand meet its decarbonisation goals

  • Creating a more sustainable energy system for future generations by generating and managing electricity closer to home

  • Generating value streams from flexibility service providers or retailers, such as utilising DERs during periods of constraints on the distribution or transmission network to reduce demand.

Image Credit: Liddington Electrical

Aurora Energy and PowerNet

Aurora Energy and PowerNet are local electricity distribution networks. It is their job to make sure rooftop solar systems, batteries, EV chargers and other equipment can connect safely to the network. 

This includes managing technical requirements, maintaining voltage quality, and making sure the network can support two-way power flows as customers use electricity and export it back to the grid.

With more people using this technology, the role of lines/distribution companies is evolving. Aurora Energy and PowerNet are investing in new tools, data and technology to keep a close eye on how and when electricity is used across the system.

Aurora Energy and PowerNet are also working with local business groups and organisations, such as Rewiring Aotearoa and Queenstown Electrification Accelerator, to ensure their work to support electrification is aligned.   

To learn more about Aurora Energy’s focus on “distributed energy resources” and open call for flexibility solutions, click here.

To learn more about PowerNet’s focus future energy, click here.