PowerHubs

A PowerHub is a backup power solution that helps keep a community building, such as a hall or marae, running if there’s an outage on the electricity network. 

Each PowerHub includes a standalone power system (SAPS) that uses a battery and diesel generator combination to provide power. The SAPS unit is connected to an automatic transfer switch (ATS), which connects to the community building. 

This means if the electricity network goes down, it automatically switches the community building to backup power, which can be used for essential services such as lighting, heating, cooking, hot water and device charging. When network power is restored, the building automatically switches back to normal power supply. 

The SAPS unit is fully enclosed and typically housed in a shipping container close to the community building it powers during outages.  

During an emergency, these buildings can help communities stay connected and may be used by Civil Defence as welfare sites. 

On the Powerco network, there are PowerHubs in Ākitio and Harataunga, and plans for more at Maketū and Waitara.