Update your Cookie Settings to use this feature.
Click 'Allow All' or just activate the 'Targeting Cookies'
By continuing you accept Avaaz's Privacy Policy which explains how your data can be used and how it is secured.
Got it
We use cookies to analyse how visitors use this website and to help us provide you the best possible experience. View our Cookie Policy .
OK
This petition is closed
Level the Playing Field for Solar Electricity in New Zealand

Level the Playing Field for Solar Electricity in New Zealand

This petition is closed
50 Supporters

Christopher D.
started this petition to
The Electricity Authority

Update: Submissions have closed, but you can follow our campaign at our facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/LeveltheFieldforSolarNZ

Right now we have the biggest opportunity in years to level the playing field for solar electricity in New Zealand. The Electricity Authority is accepting submissions to change its operating code until January 31st -- and it could dramatically improve the chances for solar!

Currently, this code enables private, monopoly power companies to stifle solar electricity. Having enough solar on the grid could curb rising power prices for consumers. If we create a huge petition, we can pressure the Electricity Authority to protect consumers – and not just the power monopolies.

But we only have a few days before submissions close. Let’s stand up to the lobbyists and make solar electricity accessible to all New Zealanders – add your name to the petition, which we’ll submit to the Electricity Authority – and tell all your friends. This is our big chance to make lasting change, and every voice counts!

The code currently allows monopoly power companies to make up their own rules for solar installation -- even if the rules are unfair or unsafe. So if the lines companies don’t want solar on the grid, they can put up obstacles to stop it. This has already created a totally anti-competitive and unfair business environment, and made it very hard for ordinary people to access solar power.

The electricity industry lobby is strong enough to bend the ear of the regulators, but if enough of us raise our voices now, we can level the playing field for clean energy. It's time for us to show the Electricity Authority that clean, renewable energy has its own people-powered lobby – sign the petition now!

Here are the details on the consultation process on the Electricity Authority's website:

http://www.ea.govt.nz/our-work/consultations/retail/operational-review-part6-second-consultation/

And here's a sample submission that explains the issues in more detail:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5AHAlH7EzhZRHdfdEpqSncxS1U/edit?usp=sharing

Posted (Updated )