PowerHubs are a more scaled-up version of this mobile hybrid stand-alone power supply unit. Photo: Supplied by Powerco
A North Island lines company is installing solar and diesel-powered hubs in remote communities to be a backup for a power cut.
The hubs are called stand alone power supply units and will go into a community venue to be used during an emergency to supply heating, cooking, hot water, lighting and the ability to charge batteries.
The first hub is expected to be installed in Akitio in the Tararua District by the end of the year and there are units planned for up the Whanganui river and in Coromandel.
It follows Gisborne lines company Firstlight's move to install a solar-powered unit for a remote customer at the end of 16km of lines that frequently need to be repaired.
Powerco is the lines company that distributes electricity to large parts of the North Island from New Plymouth across to Tauranga.
Its geneal manager of electricity, Karen Frew, speaks to Kathryn about the units.
