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Kia ora and Meri Kirihimete
As 2022 comes to an end, our Trustees want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe, relaxing holiday period - and provide an update since our last newsletter in April.
More than $15 million in dividends distributed
We’re pleased to announce that more than $15 million in dividends has been paid to more than 55,300 consumers just in time for Christmas. The dividend is the result of the Hawke’s Bay Power Consumers' Trust’s (HBPCT) ownership of Unison Networks – it’s your Trust and it’s your electricity network. Enjoy the benefit of consumer ownership!
We are now into our second year of digital only payments and are noticing a smooth and easy process for most of our consumers, including a fair number of consumers registering for the first time. We are now nudging 96% registration rates with 33,000 opting in to receive further communications and updates from the Trust.
Do you know someone who is yet to receive their payment? With just over 2400 consumers still to register for their dividend payment, we encourage you to check in with your family and friends, particularly if they are older, to ensure they’ve registered. The registration portal remains open at www.hbpct.co.nz for further registrations, or people can phone 0800 535 738 for full support.
Decarbonisation a key theme at recent Energy Trusts of NZ conference
The recent Energy Trusts of New Zealand conference was attended by two of our trustees, Kirsten Westwood and Diana Kirton. The biannual conference is an opportunity for Trusts like ours to contribute to the collective voice of all Trust-owned power distribution networks in New Zealand. We discussed key issues and solutions facing our communities and industry from a consumer perspective.
Guest speakers placed a strong emphasis on the future, with decarbonisation and sustainability being key themes. Electricity networks will play a key role in helping New Zealand achieve its climate change commitments as more people look for cleaner and more efficient ways to power their lives and industrial operations.
The Trust continues to support Unison’s mahi to innovate, build and maintain our electricity network to support consumers' changing energy needs while powering thriving regions.
It was great to see Unison’s innovative approach to design celebrated at this year’s New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards. The Windsor Substation in Hastings is the first zero carbon substation in New Zealand, generating its own electricity and water and won the Low Carbon Future category at this year's Awards.
Unison’s new directors
In line with the new Director Rotation Policy, the Trust acknowledged the contribution of retiring Unison directors Christine Spring and Brenden Hall at the annual public meeting in July. New Unison directors, Blair O’Keeffe and Barbara Elliston, were announced at that meeting.
Trust Ownership review - 2023
Every five years Trustees are required to carry out an ownership review of Unison. The next ownership review is scheduled for 2023 with the process commencing in March. Unison’s directors will prepare a report that considers proposals and available options for the future ownership of Unison’s shares.
This report will be available for public consultation from mid-September 2023. We hope that consumers will take the opportunity to engage in the discussions and make submissions throughout the process.
Stay safe around electricity this summer
As the summer break nears and we get to our to-do lists around the house, please remember to keep yourself and your whānau safe around electricity. Lots of activities can unexpectedly put you in close proximity with electricity assets including overhead and underground powerlines, and power boxes.
Unison offers a range of services including underground cable location, tree trimming and close approach permits to ensure you can work safely around Unison’s electrical assets. Visit www.unison.co.nz/safety to find out more.
Christmas wishes
Thank you for being connected to the Unison network and ultimately being part of the Hawke’s Bay Power Consumers’ Trust.
The Trust acts on your behalf to ensure Unison Networks is here for the benefit of all of us. From us to you, have a very happy holiday season and a prosperous 2023 – we’ll keep in touch.
Diana Kirton (Chair), Kirsten Westwood (Deputy Chair), Barbara Arnott, David Pearson, Jeff Farnworth www.hbpct.co.nz
