Community Energy Projects

We’re helping customers be more energy efficient and save money on their electricity bill 

As an organisation that is 100% owned by its customers, our kaupapa is not shareholders or profit – it’s putting the community at the centre of everything we do as we build tomorrow’s network today. A big part of this actively helping our community save power and stay warm during the winter months.

Warmer Winter Packs

Since 2023, we’ve been delivering Winter Warmer Packs to individuals and whānau in need across Waipā and surrounding areas.

Nominated by the community, the packs are designed to warm the bellies and hearts of people who may be struggling, particularly through the colder months when energy costs tend to be higher.

Winter Warmer Pack nominations are now closed

This year’s packs are centred around an air fryer, a grocery voucher, and several family-friendly, cost-effective air fryer recipes.

There’s just one requirement: nominees must live in the Waipā Networks coverage area.

A special thanks to our sponsors:

Your generosity and support have helped to spread some much-needed warmth through the Waipā community.

Energy Assessments

Our Energy Assessment Programme is run in partnership with Ecobulb. It provides Waipā Networks customers with free personalised energy-saving actions that they can take to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient. The programme includes helping customers to find the lowest cost electricity retail plan and supplying Ecobulb LED lightbulbs and energy-efficient showerheads.

Ecobulbs

We’ve partnered with Ecobulb who support communities throughout New Zealand through a range of energy-saving initiatives. These include energy-saving lightbulbs and in-home energy assessments to save electricity and lower customer costs.

In the last two years, we’ve distributed almost 100,000 energy-efficient lightbulbs across Waipā through community groups and events. Some whānau have received up to five lightbulbs for their homes, which will last around 30 years.

Each Ecobulb provides the same energy as a 100-watt conventional lightbulb but only uses nine watts. The estimated annual power saving for individual households is up to $112 a year. 

According to Ecobulb Managing Director Chris Mardon,​ about 31 million inefficient lightbulbs are in New Zealand homes. Switching to new-generation LED bulbs could save the country $500 million in electricity costs annually.