Smart Grid Forum members announced

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges today announced the members of a New Zealand Smart Grid Forum to advance the development of smart electricity networks in New Zealand.

“The term ‘smart grid’ encompasses all the challenges and opportunities for our electricity system presented by emerging technologies and changing consumer preferences,” Mr Bridges says. 

“Future electricity systems will need to be smarter to respond to those different demands. 

“The new Smart Grid Forum will provide a platform for information-sharing about these new challenges and opportunities, as well as providing advice on the deployment of a smart grid in New Zealand.

“It reflects the Government’s commitment to the responsible and savvy use of resources and technology to secure New Zealand’s energy future and lift our standard of living.

“The significant response to an invitation for prospective forum members to register their interest confirms the time for this initiative is right. 

“Members were selected from a range of criteria including the need for representation from leaders across all parts of the electricity system, including consumers, as well as business, scientific and academic interests.

“I’d like to thank those who put their hand up and I look forward to the contribution they will make in helping to shape a common vision for our future power system,” Mr Bridges says.

The new forum members are:

• Dr Allan Miller
  Director, Electric Power Engineering Centre,  University of Canterbury
• Ralph Sims
  Professor of Sustainable Energy and Director of the Centre for Energy Research, Massey University
• Rogan Clarke
  General Manager, Advanced Meter Services
• Neil Cheyne
  General Manager Electronics, Fisher & Paykel Appliances
• Ryno Verster
  Acting Group General Manager Asset Investment, Vector
• Jaun Park
  General Manager Networks and Operations, Unison
• Derek Todd
  General Manager Asset Management, Delta Utility Services Ltd
• Stephen Drew
  Country Manager, EnerNOC New Zealand
• Simon Clarke
  General Manager Business Solutions & Technology, Trustpower
• Matt Olde
  General Manager Business Strategy & Solutions, Mighty River Power
• Ari Sargent
  Chief Executive, Powershop
• Richard Manaton
  General Manager Strategy & Corporate Affairs, Countdown Progressive
• John Carnegie
  Manager Energy, Environment & Infrastructure, Business New Zealand
• Lynda Amitrano
  Manager Evaluations and Building Sustainability, Building Research Association New Zealand
• Hamish Wilson
  Manager Research and Testing, Consumer New Zealand
• John Clarke
  General Manager Development, Transpower
• Gareth Wilson
  Principal Advisor, Ministry Business, Innovation and Employment (convenor)
• John Hancock
  Secretariat
• Paul Atkins – Chief Executive Officer National Energy Research Institute (chair)
• John Hamill
  General Manager Regulation, Commerce Commission (observer)
• Craig Evans
  Manager Retail and Network Markets, Electricity Authority (observer)
• Terry Collins
  General Manager Product, Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (observer)

For more information of the New Zealand Smart Grid Forum see: http://www.med.govt.nz/sectors-industries/energy/electricity/new-zealand-smart-grid-forum/view