EECA Signals a Smarter Energy Future - Why Solar Is Becoming Essential for NZ Homes

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)’s new research (27 January 2026) says moving more electricity use off-peak could save New Zealand up to $3 billion, and that modern technology (solar with a battery) could lower electricity use at the busiest times by up to 25%.

The reason is simple: our poles, wires, and some generations are built to cater for relatively short demand peaks, especially winter morning and evening peaks. Those peaks influence the upgrades the network needs, and the costs that flow through to power bills.

EECA says up to 1,800 MW of demand could be shifted, around a quarter of New Zealand’s peak electricity demand - by moving flexible electricity use into quieter times instead of building new infrastructure for a few busy hours. That's the demand we can move, rather than building new infrastructure just to cover a few busy hours.

What’s notable for solar is that EECA links flexibility directly with renewables, shifting demand to when “low-cost wind and solar power is most plentiful.” Rooftop solar helps at home because it generates during the day, when many flexible loads can be moved.

EECA also points to low-cost retrofits that optimise when appliances use electricity (like heat pumps and hot water heaters). In EECA testing, smart systems can reduce bills by around 16%. For households with solar, EECA notes existing savings on bills can be above 50%. As EECA puts it: “This is a very low-effort way to shift some household electricity use off-peak, without impacting people’s lifestyles.”

Three smart-timing habits to try this week:
• Heat hot water earlier and store it for the evening peak.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine midday (especially if you have solar).
• Pre-warm the home before the winter evening rush so your heat pump avoids a cold start.

Book a free in-home consultation with Harrisons Solar and we’ll tailor a system to your home, your usage and your power goals - so you can start saving sooner with smart, future-proof solar.

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