Community Energy Activator

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The Community Energy Activator is a collaborative initiative between Ara Ake, Orion Group and the Community Energy Network, aimed at empowering communities to establish resilient energy projects. Based on the Ara Ake Community Energy How-To-Guide, it offers a curriculum that helps individuals and groups develop project plans and business models, ensuring the long-term success of community energy initiatives.

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The Community Energy Activator Impact Review

This review provides a summary of a pilot Community Energy Activator that was run in Canterbury from September-November 2024.

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The first round

The first Activator programme took place in Christchurch from September to November 2024, with plans to expand to other regions across New Zealand. 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.

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The solution

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. This 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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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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