Blueskin Energy Project

By Scott Willis

Open Days and Survey Report
There is far too much to report from the very rewarding Open Days in
September and the ongoing online survey (www.blueskinpower.co.nz/) in
this short column. However, there is space for a succinct 'taste' and
I can also let you know that a draft 100+ page report has been
delivered to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority,
detailing the progress to date.
Waitati, both in the open days and the survey, is the most highly
represented community in the Blueskin Energy Project responses – due,
I'm sure, to being the birthplace of the project. We'd love to see
more people from Long Beach, Purakaunui, The Gap, Osborne, Evansdale
and Warrington filling in the survey – as well as any in Seacliff or
Karitane, or even further afield. The anticipated cut-off date for the
survey is 7 December, so please take your 13 minutes online to fill it
out (that's all it takes the stats tell us!). Ros Day, who is the
planner working most closely with us on this project writes:
"Overall, feedback suggests a positive community view of the project
in terms of its concept, energy philosophy and principles and desired
outcomes for the community. There is a strong indication from both the
community open days and the on-line survey that the Blueskin community
is buoyed by the possibility that it may be paving the way for the
energy future of New Zealand communities."
That's great affirmation! There are also strong preferences for a
socially equitable business model – and evidently lots of community
knowledge in this area. Residents have been quite positive in terms of
investment – more than I anticipated, I have to say – conditional of
course upon final assessment of the project's economic viability. In
terms of sites, Porteous Hill is easily the most preferred, while many
people were not so concerned about any particular one at this stage in
the project. There was on the other hand a small proportion of the
community who have expressed concern regarding three issues: the
Mopanui Ridgeline site; that even more sites should be investigated;
and potential environmental impacts, i.e. bird life, visual impact and
health impacts.
There's a great deal of interest in reinvesting any value from a
successful wind cluster development as a community dividend in energy
initiatives, such as further insulation, solar hot water and other
ideas. This is exactly the benefit that the 'social enterprise' model
(a BRCT goal) can provide. Please do take a few minutes to fill in the
survey that you will find on line at www.blueskinpower.co.nz/. If you
are not connected to the internet phone me on 03 482 2048 during
working hours and I will send you a hard copy of the survey to
complete and mail back.

Other News
Collection of wind data is continuing and, as you will note in the
BRCT column, BRCT is seeking funding for a pilot Community Energy
Advisory service, which will allow us to collaborate with the national
Community Energy Network – aiming to fill the energy advice gap in
Otago (starting with Blueskin first).