Read the many public comments received at the ODT Facebook page.
Are the higher bills because of the crisp weather ? Low levels of the hydro lakes ?
Or something more ‘sinister’ ?
What is the industry regulator, the Commerce Commission, saying.
Personal Aside:
I don’t heat my apartment – chosen because it’s constructed in brick, elevated, insulated, sunny and warm. Before you ask, I pay high market rent to live centrally. I’m a registered low user of power, receive 20% earlybird discounts, and enjoy guaranteed fixed rates on power charges for 12 months by agreement with my electricity supplier. Typically, my power use is constant across the seasons and the years (long-term renter at this address, 2003 to present). I can keep my power use low only because I have good health, lots of warm clothing and furnishings, and I stay active. I’m expecting huge price increases as Dunedin City Council owned Aurora Energy’s programmed neglect of the Otago power network really kicks in.
████ Reports of outages last night (Good Friday) at Leith Valley, Ross Creek and Mt Cargill area, and separate outages in Brighton and at Gladstone Road, Mosgiel. This during calm weather, following the last days of rain.
****
Fri, 14 Apr 2017 ODT: Dunedin power outage issue resolved
A fault in a high voltage switch resulted in a power outage affecting 446 Dunedin homes between 6.30pm and 10.10pm [Friday], in the Leith Valley, Ross Creek and Mt Cargill area. Delta operations and risk general manager John Campbell said lines crews had worked on the problem, isolated the fault and restored power by 10.10pm, and further work would be done to repair the switch.
█ For more, enter the terms *aurora*, *delta*, *grady*, *poles*, *asset management plan*, *dchl*, *auditor-general*, *epicpolefail* or *epic fraud* in the search box at right.
### NZ Herald Thu, 19 Jan 2017 Electric vehicles get $3.5m boost
The Government has agreed to pay $3.5 million towards electric vehicle projects around the country to promote the greener form of transport. Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins announced today that 15 projects would be conditionally funded, as the Government seeks to meet its target of 64,000 electric vehicles on New Zealand’s roads by 2021. The projects include Foodstuffs using 28 all-electric delivery vans at its supermarkets; supporting Tranzit Group and Auckland Transport introducting electric buses and charging infrastructure; and Waste Management NZ converting three rubbish trucks to run on electricity. Read more
****
Foodstuffs (NZ)
Media Release
Fri, 20 Jan 2017
Minister of Energy and Resources Judith Collins announces New World and PAK’nSAVE electric delivery van trial
The Honourable Judith Collins has today announced that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) will be providing funding to support Foodstuffs trial of electric delivery vans across its New World and PAK’nSAVE supermarkets in 2017.
“This is the first time a commercial electric vehicle fleet of this size has been trialled in New Zealand,” says Chris Quin, CEO, Foodstuffs North Island Ltd. “The funding will go towards the implementation of 28 zero emission electric delivery vans at New World and PAK’nSAVE stores across the North and South Island.”
According to Quin when the project was put to the business initial interest from stores was incredibly positive. “Our owners recognise and support Foodstuffs’ commitment to be more sustainable and at the leading edge of new technology. Our business practices are continually evolving to be more sustainable, this is demonstrated through our work on recyclable packaging, food donation, natural refrigeration systems and energy efficiency and ensures the business will be well placed over the coming years.”
Quin adds, “It fits in perfectly with Foodstuffs drive to reduce environmental impacts and support brand NZ. Electric vehicles offer the potential to both reduce the business’ dependence on imported fuels whilst at the same time reducing road based transport emissions by 100%.”
“Add to this the fact the electricity powering the vehicles is 100% locally generated and over 80% renewably generated through hydro, wind and geothermal sources – meaning we are investing in both New Zealand‘s economy and its environment.”
The Nissan e-NV 200 delivery vans will be imported over the next year from Europe where they are manufactured. Once charged they are capable of travelling up to 150 kilometres at a time without generating either noise or emissions.
Foodstuffs is in discussion with EECA about the potential installation of separate public electric vehicle charging points at key New World and PAK’nSAVE store locations throughout the country.
“The idea is that the provision of easily accessible charging facilities will encourage the public to gradually transition away from petrol and diesel cars to sustainable electric vehicles. You will be able to charge your car whilst grabbing your groceries,” says Quin. Foodstuffs Link
****
### ODT Online Mon, 30 Jan 2017 Benefits of electric delivery vehicle adding up
By Dene Mackenzie
For Mark Dickson, the future is already here following the purchase of an electric delivery vehicle for his Taste Nature business in Dunedin. Mr Dickson and his wife and business partner, Rayna Dickson, had talked about an electric vehicle two years ago as part of an extension to their organic food business. When the couple realised they needed a newer vehicle, the electric delivery van seemed a natural extension to the business, Mr Dickson said. A month ago, he and Mrs Dickson bought a Nissan e-NV200 delivery vehicle, the same kind as grocery chain Foodstuffs and other businesses recently received government funding for in order to trial the vehicles. Read more
****
### ecotricity.co.nz Sat, 30 Apr 2016 Electric Buses and Driverless Shuttles are about to solve Auckland’s Traffic Woes
By Al Yates
The recent announcement of the electrification of the NZ Bus fleet is a massive boost for completing the electrification of New Zealands public transport fleet. But it goes well beyond buses as it also proves that transport electrification is now economic across a growing number of sectors. In this article we discuss two key components of how Auckland’s traffic woes are about to be alleviated in the short to medium term with the stroke of two technological changes, Electrification of the Bus Fleet, and Driverless Shuttles. Read more
Link received from Gurglars
Sun, 1 Jan 2017 at 8:13 a.m.
“Yealands is, depending how you measure it, either the fifth or sixth biggest wine company in New Zealand and everybody in Marlborough benefits from it.” –David Dew, Marlborough Lines
### Stuff.co.nz Last updated 11:36, December 30 2016 Wine and power lines a good match as Yealands deal starts to pay off for Marlborough Lines
By Jennifer Eder – The Marlborough Express
Power users in Marlborough can expect a payout three times that of last year as an investment deal with Yealands starts to pay off, and there could be more investments on the horizon. Marlborough Lines chairman David Dew said power customers would get $150 paid into their power bill accounts in February or March as a dividend from the company’s investments. The increase from last year’s $50 was down to profits from the Yealands Wine Group, Dew said. Marlborough Lines, owned on behalf of Marlborough’s power customers by the Marlborough Power Electric Trust, bought 80 per cent of Yealands Wine Group last year for $89 million.
█ [2016 Annual Report not yet available online.]
The Marlborough Lines annual report, released this month, showed the company already owned 50 per cent of Nelson Electricity, which it bought in 1996. Its board of directors was planning to make another investment with $31m left in the bank, it said. The 154-page report, entitled Lines to Vines and Wines with a wine glass on the cover, assessed the performance of the Yealands Wine Group. Yealands recorded a profit of about $10m for the year to June 30 and Marlborough Lines owned 80 per cent of that. Dividends of $4.4m were withdrawn and would be paid to the trust, which would distribute dividends to customers. Read more
The company maintains 3383km of lines and cables across the operating region. Marlborough Lines takes its supply from the Transpower grid via three circuits to a single point of supply in the Blenheim suburb of Springlands. Supply to Marlborough then radiates out to a number of very isolated rural areas including the Marlborough Sounds, Molesworth Station (New Zealand’s largest farm at the top of the Awatere Valley) and the Southern Marlborough coast; an area bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the seaward and inland Kaikoura mountains on the other.
As well as owning and operating the network that delivers electricity to more than 24,500 customers in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, Marlborough Lines also has substantial investments in other network companies supplying the Nelson and Bay of Plenty regions of New Zealand.
Inner city Dunedin is NOT a freaking circus or Disneyland.
Obviously, the bozos at ORC/DCC think differently.
Here is something CHEAP-NASTY-like:
Troughing consultants, transportation planners and those who purport to be ‘urban design’ from both councils appear to be barely out of grade school —my god, it shows (see video).
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Colouring in, by non-learned non-contextualists —who manage do it so very BADLY. This is absolute proof that Landscape Architecture at Dunedin is DEAD, BANKRUPT and bloody SMELLY. My cardboard box of pet maggots could design “the interchange” better. They could: swiftly, cleanly, without the disease that is ‘the carnival-scathed’ at local government.
Junior short-term work experience only, no proven local body management expertise or ‘factory floor’ experience whatsoever, now make for ‘team leader’ placements at Dunedin. That’s how tragic the workpool is. Low shoulder-tapping at the tertiary institution is no substitute for a smart council workforce, not that we have a hope in hell of attracting one.
Business leaders need to Take Dunedin!
By Storm, from the doughbrains at local government.
But Business leaders, Entrepreneurs and Investors now have the Largest, most IMMENSE PROBLEM.
At this un-populous sinking town :
At the productive, growth-generating Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes : THERE IS NO AFFORDABLY SAFE AND SECURE POWER SUPPLY
None! This is All down to leaders, councillors, directors and executives at DCC, DCHL, Delta and Aurora.
And ORC/DCC think the sorry ratepayers and residents can afford an improved, convenient and efficient bus system. Ho. Ho. Ho.
—
Apart from or because of the buses making losses….
Clearly, the proposed changes to the bus system are NOT designed to embrace the Accessible Journey —to enhance the experience of city travel for mobility impaired citizens.
The Regional Public Transport Plan 2014 and the Dunedin City Integrated Transport Strategy 2013 DO NOT anticipate the growth of Uber, new technology or ‘other’ vehicular modes of travel, or indeed anything that is the future of transport at (Our Place) Dunedin.
The proposed changes are NOT subject to ANY ECONOMIC STUDIES to safeguard businesses, vehicle users, and the users of public transport, city-wide. None! So Predictable. So Deficient. So Grossly Negligent.
Coloured road markings, a Fun Distraction when there’s a MASSIVE POWER BLACKOUT at Dunedin.
*Note: DCC does not have a spare ONE BILLION DOLLARS in the bank to right Aurora/Delta’s wrongs.
—
The Otago Regional Council says:
Dunedin Bus Interchange (hub)
Dunedin’s public transport is changing. Since the adoption of the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) in 2014, Otago Regional Council (ORC) has been rolling out network wide changes to create an affordable and connected public transport system in Dunedin. While many of these changes focus on implementing direct and stable bus routes with regular frequencies, we are also looking to improve the accessibility of the bus services, information, and infrastructure. As part of these changes we are providing a bus interchange (hub) in the city centre to make your bus journey better.
There are several things the ORC can do immediately to signal its serious intent in improving services to its ratepayers. (ODT)
### ODT Online Wed, 7 Dec 2016 Editorial: Bus hub challenges
OPINION Public transport is essential in any major centre and now Dunedin faces its own challenges with the release of the long-awaited central-city bus hub plans. The Otago Regional Council is seeking community feedback on the hub planned for Great King St, near the central police station. It includes five parking bays on each side of the street. […] The idea of a Great King St hub cannot be taken seriously if people are going to be forced off one bus and on to another in quick time. […] Dunedin’s central area is the Octagon and the regional council needs to recognise the need to keep buses flowing through the Octagon. Read more
****
Bus hub part of $3million transport project, including “super stops”. 38 car parks lost from Great King St between Moray Pl and St Andrew St.
### ODT Online Mon, 5 Dec 2016 Dunedin bus hub details released
By John Gibb
The Otago Regional Council has unveiled its long-awaited central Dunedin bus hub plans and is seeking community feedback. The bus hub, also termed the “bus interchange”, is, as previously signalled, in Great King St, near the central police station. It includes five parking bays on each side of the street. […] The size and style of bus shelters are partly dependent on public feedback, and also on any negotiations required with owners of nearby land, to be undertaken early next year. It is also proposed to use paints or other coloured materials, including on part of the street, to give the hub area a more lively appearance. Read more
### designdaily.co.nz 04 Oct 2010 12:31 pm
Architecture/Design When giants roam the landscape…
By Design Daily Team
There’s nothing like a meddling mass of metal in the form of a power pylon to create a blight on the landscape. Enter Boston-based Choi+Shine Architects, “A practice of thoughtful design”. Thoughtful indeed as these adapted pylons show. The pylons, designed by Jin Choi and Thomas Shine, have been proposed for the Icelandic landscape, and require only small alterations to the existing pylon design.
The proposal is so good, it received an honourable mention in 2008 at the Icelandic High-Voltage Electrical Pylon International Design Competition and this year, was one of four winning project for the Boston Society of Architects ‘2010 Unbuilt Awards’. Read more
What if? Dunedin... 