Vector : Media Release; Auckland Council and Vector partner on energy efficiency

30 January 2017; Media Release from Office of the Mayor of Auckland
Content Supplied.

Auckland Council and Vector partner on energy efficiency Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has today announced a partnership between Auckland Council and Vector which will see a series of Vector-funded projects, with the support of Entrust, promote sustainable and renewable energy use in Auckland including solar technology.

Mayor Goff says the multimillion dollar partnership is an important step in building a more sustainable energy network for Auckland.

'One of the challenges we face as a significantly growing region is how we safeguard our future energy needs. With about $2 billion infrastructure investment in energy solutions needed for our growth over the next 10 years, it's important we're developing innovative, cost-effective and future-proofed solutions,' says Mayor Goff.

Council and Vector are currently scoping all the initiatives that will be covered by the partnership with the first stage of the partnership developing a pilot energy efficiency programme for Auckland homes followed by renewable lighting for the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

'Partnering with Vector is a great example of our Council group and Auckland business working together to achieve great outcomes for our city and residents', says Mayor Goff.

The energy efficiency project is led by Vector's majority shareholder, Entrust with benefits at community level. The focus will be on assisting and educating residents on energy-saving solutions. More detail on this programme will be announced in March 2017.

The Vector-funded project to develop sustainable lighting for the Auckland Harbour Bridge is still in the early stages of development, but will install and promote innovative and sustainable lighting technologies on the Harbour Bridge.

Vector Chief Executive Simon Mackenzie says Vector is thrilled to be entering into a long term partnership with the Council.

'We're excited to be working together on energy innovation, efficiency and sustainability projects for Aucklanders. There's a lot of work to be done and we look forward to making further announcements once the first two projects have been fully scoped,' he says.

Mayor Goff said that the energy efficiency partnership comes at a time when Auckland Council is looking to demonstrate its leadership in helping New Zealand fulfil its climate change commitments made at last year's COP21 summit in Paris.

'As New Zealand's largest city, we must play a leading role in shifting to a low carbon economy. Vector shares our vision and we are pleased to be able to partner with them to achieve this goal,' says Mayor Goff.

Mayor Goff says that working collaboratively with corporate partners is an ongoing focus for the Council to achieve its objectives for the city and that the partnership with Vector is the first of many strategic partnership projects to be announced in 2017 that will make Auckland better.

ENDS
For further information please contact: Michael Burgess, Director Communications and External Relations for Auckland's Mayor [e-mail] 021 823 936