MEDIA RELEASE

17 February 2016

AECT supports electric vehicle charger rollout in Newmarket

The launch of three electric vehicle chargers in Newmarket has been welcomed by Trustees from the Auckland Energy Consumer Trust who are delighted to see new infrastructure located in the heart of the Trust district.

AECT Chairman, William Cairns said Vector’s electric car charging infrastructure had been made possible with the support of the AECT, via a fund which has historically been used for undergrounding projects in the AECT district and has recently been extended to include new technology such as solar and battery and EV chargers.

To date $130 million has already been invested in projects across the AECT district, which includes undergrounding, support for the recent Future of Energy solar competition and most recently the rollout of EV chargers.

Mr Cairns said he was delighted that the Minister of Transport, Hon Simon Bridges took part in an event last week at Vector’s Newmarket substation where two rapid EV chargers, and one standard EV charger were launched.

“This installation is part of a wider plan to install chargers in key locations around Auckland with another 13 rapid charger installations planned in the next six months. The AECT as Vector’s majority shareholder is supportive of Vector’s investment in new technology and is delighted to see this initiative gaining momentum,” he said.

The EV chargers are now available for use at Vector’s substation at the corner of Gilles Avenue and Seccombes Road in Newmarket.

Ends

Photo: AECT Trustees William Cairns, Karen Sherry and James Carmichael with the Minister of Transport at launch of three electric vehicle chargers in Newmarket last week.

About the AECT

The AECT was created in 1993, to ensure that the power lines (or electricity network) remained in the control of electricity consumers. The AECT was established under a trust deed for 80 years (the maximum time permitted under NZ trust law) on behalf of electricity consumers in the area that used to be served by the Auckland Electric Power Board.

The AECT owns 75.4% of shares in Vector, worth approximately $2.1 billion. It holds these shares in trust for energy consumers in Auckland, Manukau, northern parts of Papakura and eastern Franklin and pays beneficiaries a cash dividend each year. This year the dividend was $345. For more information visit