Electric Village switches off

Gisborne’s Electric Village has closed after three years of operation when it reached the end of its funding and having served its purpose.

Eastland Group opened the Electric Village in late 2017, describing it as New Zealand’s first “new energy hub”.

Funding help of a reported $300,000 was provided by Trust Tairawhiti during the three years, and Eastland Group says the decision to close the Electric Village at 37 Gladstone Road (Gisborne’s main street) was made during a review and reset of the group’s energy sector.

The Electric Village had a 280sqm space full of interactive exhibitions on the history and future of energy technology, tips and tricks on clever ways to use your power, and the latest information on EVs and electric bikes.

The village also had a dedicated Nissan Leaf and three e-bikes available for community test drives, its closure resulting in the loss of two jobs.

“The purpose of the village was to talk to the community and find out their vision for the future, as well as share information on solar generation, batteries, electric bikes and cars and other potentially game-changing developments,” Eastland Group energy solutions general manager Steven Follows says, The Gisborne Herald reports.

Follows says feedback proved better than expected, the highlights including a regional EV charging network, providing people with energy advice and being involved in EV test drives.

The Electric Village featured in EVtalk on several occasions.