What Are Your Energy Options?
There's no single right answer to energy transition. The best path depends on your situation, your goals, your budget, and your timeline. This page gives you a plain-English overview of the main options that customers in our regions are exploring — what each involves, and what to think about before making a decision.
We don't advocate for any particular solution. Our role is to help you understand the landscape so you can make an informed decision — ideally with the support of an independent advisor.
Energy Options
Solar generation
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems generate electricity from sunlight and can reduce the amount of power you need to buy from a retailer. In New Zealand, most homes and businesses are connected to the electricity grid, which means excess solar generation can be exported and credited to your bill.
Things to consider:
- Solar output depends on roof orientation, shading, and your location. North-facing roofs in Hawke's Bay tend to perform well
- A standalone solar system without battery storage still draws from the grid when the sun isn't shining
- Adding a battery increases self-sufficiency but adds upfront cost
- Before installing, you'll need to complete Unison's Application to Connect Distributed Generation (DG1 form)
- Solar is not always the right first step — an energy efficiency assessment may identify lower-cost wins first
Unison does not install solar panels, but we connect systems to the grid and manage the technical process for doing so safely.
Battery storage
Battery systems store electricity — either from solar panels or from the grid at off-peak times — for use when you need it most. They can increase energy independence and help manage peak demand charges for businesses.
Things to consider:
- Batteries are a significant upfront investment and the economics depend heavily on your specific electricity tariff and usage pattern
- Battery technology is improving rapidly — in some cases, waiting 12–24 months may deliver better value
- Your electricity retailer should be consulted about tariff options that work with battery systems
- A qualified energy advisor can model whether a battery stacks up for your specific situation
Electric vehicles and charging
If your household or fleet is moving to electric vehicles, planning your charging infrastructure early matters — both to ensure your electrical supply can support it and to take advantage of smart charging options.
Things to consider:
- Home EV charging (Level 1 or Level 2) usually works with an existing residential connection, but rapid chargers may require an upgrade
- For business fleets, assess your peak demand carefully — charging multiple vehicles simultaneously can significantly increase your demand charge
- Unison supports EECA's smart charging guidelines — home chargers should ideally be set up to respond to off-peak signals to reduce network demand
- Talk to Unison if you're planning significant fleet charging infrastructure
Process heat — switching from gas or coal to electricity
For businesses and industries that use gas or coal to generate heat for manufacturing, processing, or other operations, switching to electric process heat is one of the highest-impact decarbonisation moves available.
Things to consider:
- Electric process heat options include heat pumps (very efficient for lower-temperature applications), electrode boilers, and resistance heating
- The economics of switching are increasingly favourable as gas prices rise and gas supply becomes less reliable
- EECA co-funding has historically been available for process heat transitions — check current availability
- Most process heat switches require significant electrical infrastructure upgrades. Engage Unison early to understand connection requirements and timelines
- Your existing gas contract may have take-or-pay provisions — check your exit options
Heat pumps for space and water heating
Heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat homes and commercial buildings, and to heat water. They use electricity to move heat rather than generate it, making them 2–4 times more efficient than resistive electric heating.
Things to consider:
- Heat pumps work well in Hawke's Bay and Rotorua climates
- Hot water heat pumps can replace gas califonts or electric cylinder heaters with significant savings
- Most residential and small commercial heat pump installations work with an existing electricity connection
- EECA and some retailers have supported heat pump installation programmes — check current availability
Demand management and efficiency
Before investing in generation or fuel switching, it's worth asking: can we use less energy first? Demand management and energy efficiency measures often have the fastest payback of any energy investment.
Examples Include:
- LED lighting upgrades
- Insulation and draught-proofing (homes and buildings)
- Variable speed drives on industrial motors and pumps
- Scheduling high-consumption processes outside peak tariff periods
- Building management systems that optimise HVAC use
