These case studies show how people across the Aurora Energy network in Otago are using electricity in smarter, more sustainable ways – powering orchards without fossil fuels, charging electric buses, and installing solar panels on community facilities. Aurora Energy is proud to support these projects and help our region take steps towards a lower-carbon future.
Forest Lodge Orchard – Cherries as green as they are red
Biting into a cherry is a taste of sunshine at Forest Lodge Orchard just outside Cromwell, where Mike Casey produces cherries without using any fossil fuels – a New Zealand first. Aurora Energy provided advice when Mike was establishing his orchard, helping him plan the electricity connection and how to make the most of solar panels and battery storage.
The six-hectare orchard has over 9,500 trees, electric frost-fighting fans, electric golf carts to transport cherries, and an irrigation pump running on electricity.
Mike, with a background in software technology, installed a high-tech system to monitor when he uses solar energy versus electricity from the grid and to pick the best times to feed energy back.
“I didn’t set out to not use fossil fuels,” he says, “but the good advice I got from Aurora Energy helped me realise how achievable it was. I do everything I can to run my business and live sustainably and am pleased my business is helping combat climate change.”
Highlights
- Over 9,500 cherry trees planted across six hectares
- Electric frost-fighting fans keep the orchard protected
- Electric golf carts transport harvested cherries
- Irrigation pump powered entirely by electricity
- Solar panels and battery storage support orchard operations
- High-tech monitoring system optimises electricity use from solar and the grid
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) funded 50% of the software costs for monitoring electricity
Ritchies electric buses – Driving Ōtepoti Dunedin towards a cleaner future
Aurora Energy supported Ritchies Transport, one of New Zealand’s largest bus and coach operators, to prepare a charging site for 11 new electric buses in Ōtepoti Dunedin. The depot was upgraded with a 750 kVA transformer and six twin-gun 120 kW charging stations to supply the buses.
By the end of their first year on the road, the buses saved around 250,000 litres of diesel and reduced carbon emissions by approximately 600 tonnes. The project shows how electricity networks can help enable low-carbon transport and the shift to cleaner city travel.
Highlights
- 11 new electric buses on Dunedin routes
- 750 kVA transformer installed
- Six twin-gun 120 kW charging stations
- Estimated savings of 250,000 litres of diesel and 600 tonnes of carbon emissions
Peninsula Bay Community Pool – solar power in Wānaka
The Peninsula Bay Community Pool in Wānaka is making the most of the sun, having installed 52 solar panels on its roof. The pool has cut electricity costs by around 50% and reduced its environmental impact. Heated during the warmer months, the pool uses peak sunshine hours, and any surplus electricity flows back into the grid.
When the pool is not heated, all generated electricity is exported to the grid for community use.
Allan, Chair of the organising committee, is a strong advocate for solar power and electric vehicles. “The benefits are clear – for individuals and the environment,” he says, encouraging more people to consider renewable energy solutions.
Highlights
- 52 solar panels installed
- Electricity costs reduced by approximately 50%
- Surplus energy returned to the grid
Powering the Skifields - The Remarkables
The Remarkables ski field sits along the Remarkables Range, overlooking Lake Wakatipu in Tāhuna, Queenstown. Ski areas are an important part of Queenstown, and The Remarkables is central to the town’s culture and economy and is a key part of its fabric. The ski field draws visitors from across Aotearoa and around the world.
Sustainability is a priority for NZ Ski, with goals such as achieving net zero by 2030, protecting biodiversity, and reducing emissions and waste.
Steve Hall, Remarkables Ski Area Manager, says: “We’re really focused on progressing those things and we’d encourage other people to do the same. It feels like the right thing to do, and it has also been good for our business. Electricity and sustainable electricity plays a really important part in that.
“The relationship with Aurora Energy is important, as they distribute the power to us from Frankton. It’s vital that we have a reliable supply, and that’s where we’re at now. It’s a really great place to be with that relationship and how we want it to continue going forward.”
Highlights
- Electricity is crucial to running the ski area
- It powers the buildings, chair lifts, and snowmaking
- The latest high-speed 6-seater lift (Shadow Basin) opens up new terrain and makes the slopes more accessible
- Snowmaking uses electricity and water to create a good quality product for people to ski and ride on
Watch this video to see how electricity supports sustainable operations and decarbonisation at The Remarkables.