Opinion: Auckland's plan for solar power more stick than carrot

It is refreshing to see some positive planning for the future in Auckland's recently released Low Carbon Action Plan. The focus on creating a healthy, low-carbon environment in Auckland is laudable and the vision is excellent.

Throughout the plan, however, there is a clear carrot-and-stick approach.

In the energy sector, for instance, as part of the "managing energy demand" goal it is interesting to note that "deploy time-of-use metering to help manage peak demand" is noted as a strategy.

With the conclusion of the roll out of smart meters timed for 2015 this is a real heads-up that residential time-of-use charging is on the way. The reality of this is that the power companies will introduce a peak demand tariff. This will potentially see the rate that home owners are charged for their power, at the times when they most need it, will increase dramatically

International examples indicate that the cost of power between 5am and 9am and 5pm and 9pm, for example, could be twice the cost of off-peak use.

If you live a 9-to-5 working life then avoiding using power at these peak times is very difficult. Fortunately there are some "carrots" by way of the development of "an enabling regulatory framework to support energy generation, particularly renewable energy".

So the council will not stand in the way of households installing their own power generation, which, combined with the eventual inclusion of some in-home storage capability, could dramatically shift peak loads.

No mention of any rebates, subsidies or similar though - so more stick than carrot.

Interestingly Wellington Council is committing $250,000 a year to energy projects including installing solar power on 16 schools in the area. Now that's more like a carrot! Maybe Auckland should look south for some guidance?

Roy Maddox is the general manager of Solar King in Takapuna, Auckland.

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