WEL Networks Seeks Customers to Test New Electricity Technologies

WEL Networks is seeking customers willing to work with the company to test new electricity technologies, including small-scale solar and wind generation and an individual appliance control device. 

WEL Networks CEO, Dr Julian Elder, says the trials are part of the company’s commitment to bringing state-of-the-art electricity technologies to customers in the Waikato. 

“At WEL Networks, we’re committed to innovation.  Not only do we innovate within our own business and on our network, we also want to partner with customers to rollout innovative technologies to their homes and businesses. 

“We believe the technologies we’re testing have potential to provide a range of energy efficiency benefits.  If the innovations prove to provide the advantages we suspect they can, rolling them out to the mass market could help save customers money on their power bills, help us manage our network better and provide positive environmental benefits,” explains Dr Elder. 

One technology WEL is testing is a device - called SWITCHit® - that allows WEL Networks to control electricity to home appliances during peak electricity periods, potentially saving customers money on their power bills.  WEL is looking for 200 homeowners to participate in the trial. 

The second technology is photovoltaic cells affixed to roofs, which allow for on-site solar power generation.  WEL is looking for two homeowners to participate in the trial. 

Finally, WEL is looking for one homeowner to install a small windmill on their property to generate electricity on-site. 

There is no cost to customers to participate in either of the trials.  Customers may experience savings on their power bills as part of the trial – although savings are not guaranteed. 

Each of these technologies is in the trial phase and is being tested with funding provided by WEL Energy Trust. 

Customers interested in working with WEL Networks on one or more of these trials can phone the company on 07 850 3100. 

-ENDS- 

More About WEL Networks Trial Technologies 

SWITCHit – appliance control device – up to 200 homes 

SWITCHit is a remote control device connected to a plugged-in appliance.  It allows WEL Networks to remotely switch the appliances on and off during peak electricity times.  For WEL’s trial programme, SWITCHit can be connected to a range of appliances, such as: dishwashers, clothes driers, washing machines, swimming pool pumps and filters, in-cupboard heaters, fridges and freezers. 

Customer requirements to participate in trial:  Willingness to connect a range of appliances to the device to be switched off at peak periods and provide regular feedback WEL. 

Photovoltaic Cells – onsite solar power generation – 2 installations 

Photovoltaics (PVs) are a collection of 7 modules totalling 1.2kW that contain material which converts solar energy into electricity at the site of installation.  The cells are mounted onto north-facing roofs of a building with an unobstructed roof area of approximately 7m x 1m.    

Customer requirements to participate in trial: Ability to affix PVs to a high profile north-facing roof with no shading.  Customers must be willing to have their site as a demonstration site and provide regular feedback.  WEL will need to bring people to the customer’s property from time to time and WEL signage must be displayed at a prominent location. 

Small windmill – onsite wind power generation – 1 installation 

The windmill WEL Networks is testing is approximately 13m in height and is installed at customer premises. 

Customer requirements to participate in trial: Coastal location with minimal wind obstruction in a built up area with good access and visibility for a demonstration site and provide regular feedback.  WEL will need to bring people to the customer’s property from time to time and WEL signage must be displayed at a prominent location.