WEL Networks

We’re excited to add New Zealand’s first ePTO crane truck to our fleet. Aligned to our Fleet Strategy and Sustainable Business Plan, the truck’s ePTO battery pack powers the hydraulics during crane operations allowing the engine to be turned off. This results in a quieter environment for workers, reduced fuel cost and less wear and tear on the engine. A collaborative effort has resulted in an exceptionally designed, built and equipped truck thanks to Hino NZ (truck manufacturer), OTEL (truck builder) Palfinger New Zealand (crane manufacturer) and Access Specialties Ltd (ePTO supplier).

WEL Networks welcomes the Coalition Government’s announcement outlining steps to improve New Zealand’s energy security and affordability, especially through the easing of restrictions on electricity lines companies owning generation. As a community organisation with a vision to create and support an innovative and sustainable energy future, WEL has already been leading the way to help address energy security and affordability challenges for its customers. WEL commissioned Rotohiko - New Zealand’s largest battery energy storage system - last year and is about to construct two Waikato solar farms. But as an Electricity Distribution Business there’s currently a 50MW cap on ownership of generation that has restricted WEL’s ability to build bigger, at pace, and introduce much-needed competition into the electricity market to help bring down the cost of energy. WEL echoes Energy Minister Hon Simeon Brown’s remarks that New Zealand needs an energy system that is secure, reliable and affordable and WEL can play an even greater role in achieving this, with a change in the current regulatory settings that it feels are too restrictive. Given the rate of Aotearoa’s current and forecasted energy needs, WEL also agrees with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s comment that New Zealand needs to double the amount of renewable electricity in the country. WEL has ambitious plans to contribute more effectively to improving energy security and bringing down energy costs for the benefit of its customers, and all New Zealanders. The company looks forward to the details of the regulatory changes being confirmed by Cabinet later this year.

Check out the latest edition of Waterford Press Ltd's Business North publication featuring a story about our Te Uku Substation upgrade project (p8) https://lnkd.in/gPFyuHCu

Read how EV smart chargers are good for smoothing electricity consumption.

On Monday, a site blessing was undertaken prior to the commencement of works for WEL Networks and Infratec’s Taiohi solar farm in Rangiriri.   We are honoured to have been gifted the name which means youthful by mana whenua.   The 33MW Taiohi solar farm is an important project for WEL Networks and one which will continue to position the Waikato Region as a frontrunner in innovation in the area of renewable energy.   Thank you to Maurea Marae for warmly welcoming us and for your ongoing support of this project. We look forward to strengthening our relationship and working together to contribute to a more sustainable future for Aotearoa.

Are you an experienced electrical engineer excited by the thought of a brand new role in a growing team within an innovative, trailblazing organisation? If your answer is yes then read on. In this new Senior Network Innovation Solution Engineer role you will use your electricity distribution network development and operational experience and expertise to design solutions using the latest real time metering technology, data analytic insights and DER flexibility management platforms. The role is pivotal in helping to drive our transition to a future business operating model to support the integration of new technology into distribution network development. Find out more and apply if you’re the person we’re looking for.

WEL Gains ISO 55001 Certification   WEL Networks has successfully gained certification to ISO 55001:2014 - the international standard for asset management systems.   It has been a great team effort across the business and reinforces the robust and effective planning and delivery of our asset management activities.   WEL are proud to be one of five Electricity Distribution Businesses (EDBs) in New Zealand to have gained certification.

We’re proud to announce that we’ve been selected as a finalist in the New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards for 2024 in the Energy Distributor of the Year category. This award celebrates excellence in energy distribution, and the overall success in the past year against technical, commercial, customer, environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG), and well-being targets. Our submission focuses on WEL Networks being the pioneers of positive change for New Zealand electricity. Rotohiko – New Zealand’s first utility-scale 35MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a finalist in the Energy Project of the Year category. Winners will be announced on the 28th of August. #NewZealandEnergyExcellenceAwards #EnergyAwardsNZ

We're looking for an Enterprise Application Manager to lead a team of technical experts and functional specialists to support our Enterprise Applications. This is a newly created leadership role. Find out more on the link below.

We enjoyed hosting groups of students from Fraser High School, Hamilton Boys’ High School and Te Awamutu College this week as part of the Wintec - Waikato Institute of Technology Engineering in Action 2024 event series. Engineering in Action provides secondary school students, considering a future in engineering, the chance to learn about the different specialisations within engineering and we we're excited to open their eyes to energy industry opportunities. Students were provided with a tour of our network control centre, EV charging, solar and battery set-up, along with insightful presentations from our Asset Management and Network Innovation and Performance teams. #EIA2024 #Engineering