The establishment of the Rotorua Energy Champion role was one of the recommendations made in a report commissioned by the BrightEconomy Advisory Board in March 2007 entitled Status and Opportunities: Energy Supply in the Rotorua District. As a result of this the BEAB was successful in securing funding from the Environment Bay of Plenty for the first year of the role. Power Solutions Ltd, Rotorua based Electrical and Energy Consultants, have been contracted by the Rotorua Economic Development Unit to provide the key tasks for year one with Kevin McGrath, PSL’s Energy Manager, appointed as the Rotorua Energy Champion effective from 1 October 2007. The role is expected to develop in coming years so the objectives for the first year have been identified to lay the foundation for that development.
The key objectives to be achieved in the year one by the Rotorua Energy Champion are as follows :
- Development of an Energy Directory Website
The Energy Directory will be a site that will provide information, links and direction relating to the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. It will cover such things as home heating options and advice, insulation, choosing the cheapest electricity retailer through to advice and options relating to sustainable energy, efficient lighting and case studies.
- The Energy Directory is to be hosted on the Rotorua
Economic Development website and will be accessed via www.energychampion.co.nz
- Energy Audit Programme
The Energy Audit Programme will also be linked to the Energy Directory and will provide information about the various types of energy audits, the funding options that can be accessed, a typical audit process, the advantages and service providers.
- Delivery of two Energy Forums
Two Energy Forums will be arranged. One will be directed towards domestic energy use and the other tailored for commercial and industrial energy users.
The information provided will assist Rotorua home owners and businesses to become more energy efficient therefore reducing energy consumption, saving money, improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions. These are all very positive steps towards a more profitable and sustainable future for Rotorua.
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