Free EV charging to end at some stations

Fees will apply at seven WEL Networks EV chargers in the Waikato from March 29.

The company says that after seven years free EV charging, the 24 cent per kWh and 24 cent per minute fees will apply at its EV charging stations at Hampton Downs (OPL-15), Te Kauwhata (OPL-14), Main Street (OPL-17), Caro Street (OPL-18), Innovation Park (OPL-19), Raglan (OPL-20) and Mystery Creek (OPL-21).

WEL Networks asks people using those EV chargers to ensure they have sufficient credit on their OpenLoop account to start their charging session.

The Facebook post includes OpenLoop’s website and a free-phone number, 0800 673 65667.

Vector provides free EV charging at nearly 20 stations across Auckland and has indicated fees may apply in future.

Recent storms caused power cuts in many areas, especially in the North Island, which meant some EV chargers stopped working for a time.

WEL Networks had eight line mechanics working in Hawke’s By, for instance, helping with power reconnections there following Cyclone Gabrielle.

A March 7 media release says five line mechanics were due to relieve one of WEL Networks’ crews and join the remaining three for another fortnight’s assistance.

Meanwhile, consumers are not confident the New Zealand power industry can provide affordable and resilient supply, according to the Consumer Advocacy Council which has released survey results.

“While the majority of consumers are satisfied with the service they receive from their electricity retailer, most consumers do not have confidence in the electricity industry to provide affordable power and a reliable supply in the future,” says council chair Deborah Hart.

“Well over half of consumers doubted the system would be prepared to cope with storm events over the next 10 years.”

The survey was held before recent storm events, the council adds.

Kantar Public surveyed 1026 residential consumers and 500 small businesses (fewer than 20 employees) between November 25 and December 20, 2022.

“Cyclone Gabrielle has shown there’s an urgent need for the industry to invest in strengthening the resilience of the network as climate change means the frequency of these events will only increase,” says Hart.

“But building resilience can’t come at the cost of ensuring electricity remains affordable particularly now with pressure on household budgets. Even before these storms some two thirds of residential consumers and more than half of small businesses were worried that electricity will become unaffordable for some within 10 years.”

Click here for more on the council’s findings.