Community Energy Activator

Community energy plays a pivotal role in ensuring an equitable transition as we move towards decarbonisation and a net-zero future. By empowering local communities to actively participate in and benefit from renewable energy, a sustainable and inclusive energy landscape can be created.

The Community Energy Activator is a 13-week learning journey, based on the Ara Ake Community Energy How-To-Guide, guides individuals and groups through the process of establishing community energy projects.

The Activator programme brings numerous benefits to communities by democratising energy knowledge, making it accessible to everyone, and empowering communities to take control of their energy future, even with little prior knowledge. It provides the tools, confidence and insights needed to create projects that are both effective and tailored to the specific needs of their communities.

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The 2025 Taranaki Community Energy Activator

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Running from 15 September to 9 December 2025, the Activator will see a group of passionate, local changemakers learn from technical experts and peers, while progressing real-world energy projects in their communities.

Delivered in partnership by Powerco, Ara Ake, Community Energy Network and Community Energy Taranaki group, the Activator offers hands-on support, expert mentoring, and the tools communities need to develop their own sustainable energy solutions.

Register your interest for the programme.

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The 2024 Canterbury Community Energy Activator

The first round

The Community Energy Activator in Canterbury was a collaborative initiative between Ara Ake, Orion Group and the Community Energy Network. The first Activator programme took place from September 2024 to November 2024. The insights from this initiative are being shared through the Community Energy Network and Ara Ake, with Orion disseminating relevant learnings to other electricity distribution businesses through the ENA Future Networks Forum. The review below provides a summary of the pilot.

The Community Energy Activator Impact Review

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Impact Unlocked

The first Activator programme offered Orion – the local lines company in the Canterbury region – valuable insights into emerging community energy models and their potential impact on their electricity distribution business. Support from regional electricity distribution businesses is critical to the success of the Activator.

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Resources

• Find out more on the Activator website: www.ceactivator.co.nz
• Community Energy How-To-Guide
• The Community Energy Activator Impact Review
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Media releases

3 December 2024: Communities leading the way in energy resilience

9 July 2024: Energy pilot launches to empower local communities

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