Asia Pacific’s first grid scale Tesla Powerpack

MEDIA RELEASE

20 October 2016 – EMBARGOED UNTIL 10 AM

Vector unveils Asia Pacific’s first grid scale Tesla Powerpack

Today, Hon Simon Bridges, Minister of Energy and Resources, officially opened Vector’s renovated Glen Innes substation, home to Asia Pacific’s first grid scale Tesla Powerpack battery storage system to be integrated into a public electricity network.

With a storage capacity of 1MW/2.3MWh - the equivalent to powering 450 average homes for 2.3 hours - Tesla Powerpack allows Vector to continue to provide a secure, reliable power supply and defer a conventional upgrade to the substation.

This move represents a radical transformation in how Vector manages its electricity network and responds to the need for innovative infrastructure development to support growing communities.

Vector’s Chief Executive Simon Mackenzie says the Tesla Powerpack battery storage system could help to reduce peak demand and extend the life of the substation, deferring capital expenditure and providing supplementary power to the Glen Innes area – all without compromising reliability.

Mr Mackenzie says Tesla Powerpack introduces an agility and flexibility into how Vector manages and invests in its network.

“By gauging trends such as household energy consumption, the effect of infill housing and the uptake of new energy systems, we can target growth areas and defer or avoid the significant investment required in a new substation.

“And when connection or consumption growth requires a conventional network upgrade, we can mobilise the batteries to other parts of the network where power demand is rising,” he says.

“This is transforming the way the energy sector is managed and will have a powerful influence on consumer behaviour.”

Mr Mackenzie says new technologies such as Tesla Powerpack allow Vector to better manage the risks associated with the NZ$2 billion that needs to be invested in its Auckland networks over the next 10 years.

Vector is creating a new energy future through investigation and investment in new and innovative technologies. Its network is evolving to deliver the benefits of smart meters, efficient and cost-effective solar panels, batteries, and an expanding network of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and energy management services to customers.

Vector’s installation of the Tesla Powerpack at the Glen Innes substation is another significant step towards that new energy future.

ENDS

About Vector

Vector is New Zealand’s leading multi-network infrastructure company which delivers energy and communication services to more than one million homes and businesses across the country. Vector is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange with ticker symbol VCT. Our majority shareholder, with voting rights of 75.4%, is Entrust (formerly Auckland Energy Consumer Trust).

Tesla is working with Vector to integrate Powerpack solutions for customers across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands and is looking to support future developments across these key markets with battery storage.

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