Counties Energy delivers $13.2m in discount payments to local community
From today Counties Energy’s 48,000 customers can check how much money they’ll receive from the $13.2m distributed by the company’s annual discount payment.
Customers who were connected to the Counties Energy network on 3 November 2023 are eligible for the payment, which is based on lines charges paid over the period 1 November 2022 – 31 October 2023. The Counties Energy discount is paid as a credit on customer’s December or January power bill from their electricity retailer.
Counties Energy Chief Executive Judy Nicholl says that as the 100 percent consumer-owned company heads into their centenary year they’re proud to deliver another record discount amount while continuing with substantial network and community investment programmes, while also transitioning the company towards a new energy future.
“We’ve invested more than $72m this year into projects to build and update the network and improve technology and new systems to deliver a robust electricity network for our fast-growing region. We’re committed to similar levels of investment in subsequent years to match growth and renew network assets, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity network for our community while we rapidly transition to incorporate renewable energy systems and offerings within our distribution network. We know that customers are actively looking to decarbonise their energy behaviour and we support those goals. We’re also working on programmes in sustainability and energy hardship, two areas we’re passionate about as a company, and continuing our long-term support of community partners across many essential rescue services, education, sporting and community groups.”
“In 2024 we celebrate our centenary, a time for reflection on the work of the dedicated employees of Franklin Electric Power Board, Counties Power and now Counties Energy to build the network and keep the lights on. We’re thankful to our community for their support over the years, and are excited to show commitment to the community through our partnerships including two very special Christmas events this year. Make sure you attend Christmas on the Green this Saturday 2 December from 3.00pm (at Pukekohe’s Navigations Homes Stadium), and Counties Energy Christmas Lights Trains at Night at Glenbrook Vintage Railway in the lead up to Christmas.”
Counties Energy is the electricity distribution provider for the network that runs from coast to coast between southern Papakura and Mercer, and west of the Waikato River from Mercer to Waikaretu. The company is owned by the Counties Energy Trust who holds the shares on behalf of electricity consumers.
Counties Energy Trust Chairperson Christine Rupp says the company has operated successfully as a Consumer Trust owned entity for nearly 30 years and has completed another successful year.
“I’d like to extend the gratitude of the Trust to the team at Counties Energy for another record year of discount payments to power consumers. This is a huge achievement when considering the impact of the weather events earlier in the year and the continuation of a significant network investment programme, while also supporting our community in so many ways.”
Customers can view the amount of annual discount they will receive online at www.countiesenergy.co.nz/discount. To find out more about Counties Energy or to report an outage, go to countiesenergy.co.nz, call 0800 100 202 or use the app – app.countiesenergy.co.nz.
Counties Energy Chief Executive Judy Nicholl and Counties Energy Trust Chairperson Christine Rupp