Jason lives in Kingston, south of Queenstown.
LPG heating replaced with a hot water heat pumpHeating bill reduced by 70%QEA helped to model savings and provided access to discounted water heater
Gas was Jason's second biggest bill. He used to spend around $90 per month on gas for hot water, working out at $3 a day. Since switching to the Emerald All-in-One hot water heat pump, if he were using grid electricity, it would only cost around $24 per month — a 70% reduction. Hot water accounts for around one third of the total energy used in an average home so it's a good option to focus on if you're looking to save some cash.
Jason enquired with the QEA to understand how much he could save by electrifying his heating. We calculated his savings based on his LPG heating usage, the upfront costs of the new system, and based on him using a mix of grid electricity and solar power. After being pleasantly surprised with his projected savings, he registered for the QEA's hot water heat pump group discount programme, which saved him around $1,000.
Water Heating Step by Step Guide, Water Heater Group Discounts
iFLY Queenstown is an indoor skydiving attraction located in the heart of Queenstown, offering visitors the experience of freefall flight in a fully enclosed vertical wind tunnel.
As a fully electric operation, the facility relies on large, high-powered fans to generate the airflow required for indoor skydiving. This creates significant electricity demand and makes energy management an important operational consideration. iFLY has been exploring how greater energy flexibility, demand management, and technologies such as batteries and solar could help reduce operational costs and improve long-term energy performance.
iFLY Queenstown already operates as a fully electric tourism attraction, with its indoor skydiving system powered entirely by electricity.
The next stage of the business’s energy journey is focused on improving how and when electricity is used. Due to the large electricity demand required to operate the wind tunnel fans, the business has been investigating opportunities to better manage peak demand, improve operational flexibility, and reduce electricity costs.
This has included assessing:
Through this work, iFLY is exploring how smarter energy management could improve operational efficiency while supporting long-term business resilience.
The Queenstown Electrification Accelerator worked closely with iFLY Queenstown to better understand the facility’s operational electricity demand and identify opportunities for optimisation.
QEA:
QEA continues to work alongside iFLY to explore additional opportunities to improve energy flexibility and optimise how electricity is used across the business.
Queenstown Ice Arena is an ice sports and public skating facility located in the heart of Queenstown. As a business that relies on maintaining ice year-round, the arena has significant electricity demand and operational energy costs. This creates a strong opportunity to explore technologies like solar and battery storage to improve energy resilience, reduce long-term operating costs, and strengthen energy security for the wider community.
Queenstown Ice Arena has been investing in electrified equipment for many years, beginning with the transition to an electric Zamboni ice resurfacer in 2005.
Now, the arena is exploring the next stage of its energy transition, investigating how solar and battery storage could help reduce operational electricity costs, improve energy resilience, and strengthen long-term energy security.
A key focus is understanding how the site could potentially operate as a community resilience hub during emergencies or power outages, with on-site energy generation and storage playing an important role in maintaining critical operations during times of disruption
The Queenstown Electrification Accelerator worked closely with Queenstown Ice Arena to provide an in-depth solar feasibility assessment across multiple solar system sizes.
This included analysing:
QEA also explored how various funding structures, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and traditional solar financing through banks, could impact short-term cashflow and long-term financial outcomes, helping the arena make a more informed investment decision.
Solar step by step guide
Edgewater Hotel is a lakefront accommodation provider nestled on the edge of Lake Wānaka, offering hotel rooms, suites, apartments, and hospitality services for visitors to the region.
As a large accommodation provider, the hotel has significant energy demand across heating, hot water, kitchen operations, lighting, and day-to-day guest services. With rising electricity costs and increasing interest in energy resilience, Edgewater Hotel has been exploring how technologies like solar and battery storage could help reduce operational costs while improving guest comfort and energy security during grid outages.
Edgewater Hotel is currently exploring the next steps in its energy transition journey, with a focus on reducing operational energy costs and improving resilience for guests and hotel operations.
The assessment provided by QEA considered how solar generation and battery storage could work together to better manage the hotel’s energy use. Battery systems were investigated not only for backup power capability, but also for their ability to:
For a hospitality business operating around the clock, maintaining guest comfort and operational continuity during outages is also an important consideration. Edgewater is therefore assessing how on-site generation and storage could strengthen resilience while supporting long-term operational savings.
The Queenstown Electrification Accelerator worked with Edgewater Hotel to provide an in-depth solar and battery feasibility analysis tailored to the hotel’s operational energy profile.
This included:
The analysis provided Edgewater Hotel with clearer insight into how different energy technologies could support both operational savings and long-term resilience objectives.
Solar step by step guide
Skyline Queenstown is one of the region’s most iconic tourism operators, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. With a strong commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, Skyline is continuously investing in ways to improve environmental performance while enhancing guest and staff experiences.
Skyline Queenstown transitioned from a traditional LPG-based kitchen to a fully electrified system, delivering clear benefits across environmental, financial, and operational outcomes.
From an environmental perspective, the shift is expected to avoid approximately 44 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. Financially, initial modelling indicates annual operating cost savings of around $36,000. This figure is becoming increasingly conservative as ongoing volatility in global gas markets continues to drive LPG prices upward, strengthening the long-term economic case for electrification.
The transition has also significantly improved the kitchen environment. Electrified systems generate far less ambient heat than gas, resulting in cooler working conditions. This reduces the need for heavy extraction systems and lowers background noise levels. The removal of open flames also enhances safety, reducing risk in a fast-paced kitchen setting.
Overall, the result is a more comfortable, safer, and more efficient workspace, supporting team wellbeing, performance, and staff retention.
Ryder is an independently owned, specialty coffee company is committed to quality, innovation, and ethical sourcing. Proudly roasting on New Zealand’s first electric roaster, they are focused on minimising their carbon footprint while bringing out the best in every bean.
They work with producers to ensure fair wages and sustainable practices, supporting both people and the planet. With a focus on craftsmanship and transparency, they deliver hand crafted coffee in eco-friendly packaging, creating a premium experience that’s as responsible as it is delicious.
Electric Coffee roasting
Most coffee roasteries still rely on gas, but Ryder was the first in New Zealand to invest in a German machine called a Probat P05e, the electric version of one of the world’s most well known roasters.
As master roaster, relationship manager and founder Sam Bright says, quality has always been the most important thing and the electric tech now offers it.
"We've become immensely better at our craft by learning this technology to benefit our coffee at the other end and we think it's gone really well."
The roaster is basically like a hair dryer and offers on demand heat, unlike gas heated drum roasters which typically take 30-60 minutes to properly warm up. This saves energy and time. And, much like an induction cooktop, it also offers greater control, better air quality and lower emissions. forklift for their warehouse.
Ryder's electric roaster is fairly small and does 5kg at a time but, given how well the first machine has gone, Bright says they are currently looking at upgrading to something bigger.
It has also opened up a new all-electric espresso bar in Frankton's industrial estate, so pop in and get a taste of the future and see the roasting in action if you're in the neighbourhood.
Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust is a kaupapa Māori organisation committed to positive social, cultural and environmental development for our community.
Mana Tāhuna identified fleet transport as a clear opportunity to reduce operational costs and emissions while improving long-term efficiency.
In 2023, the organisation replaced two diesel Mazda CX-5 vehicles with two fully electric BYD Atto 3s. The transition immediately reduced fuel reliance and significantly lowered ongoing running costs, with operational savings estimated at around $5,000 per year.
Beyond the financial benefits, the move also reduced emissions and demonstrated how electric vehicles can comfortably meet the day-to-day needs of organisations operating across the Queenstown Lakes District.
Mana Tāhuna’s experience reflects a broader shift already underway across New Zealand. Electrification is no longer just a sustainability initiative, it is increasingly becoming a business decision driven by resilience, lower operating costs, and greater control over future energy and fuel expenses.
Located on the edge of Lake Wakatipu near Glenorchy, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is demonstrating how tourism operators can reduce energy costs, improve resilience, and lower emissions through electrification.
The retreat has progressively electrified key parts of its operations, including installing high-efficiency heat pumps and hot water heat pump systems across its accommodation facilities. These technologies allow the business to heat spaces and water far more efficiently than traditional fossil fuel systems by moving heat rather than generating it directly.
Combined with solar and battery storage systems, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat has created a smarter, more flexible energy system that reduces reliance on the grid while helping future-proof the business against rising energy costs.
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat began looking at how energy could become a strategic advantage for the business, reducing operational costs while improving resilience, guest experience, and sustainability outcomes.
A major focus was replacing traditional heating and hot water systems with high-efficiency electric alternatives. The retreat installed heat pumps and hot water heat pump systems across its accommodation facilities, significantly improving energy efficiency.
Unlike conventional systems that generate heat directly, heat pumps move heat, enabling efficiencies of around 300–400%. This allows the retreat to deliver comfortable accommodation and reliable hot water while using substantially less energy.
The business also expanded electrification into transport and guest experiences. Kinloch Wilderness Retreat operates a range of electric vehicles used to transport guests to and from Queenstown Airport, alongside electric bikes available for guests exploring the region.
By electrifying its fleet, the retreat has reduced fuel and operational costs while creating a quieter and more enjoyable experience for visitors.
To support these electric systems, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat integrated solar generation and battery storage into its operations. The solar and battery systems help reduce reliance on the grid, lower peak electricity demand, and provide a high level of energy resilience, particularly valuable in a remote location where energy reliability is important for both operations and guest comfort.
Together, these technologies have enabled Kinloch Wilderness Retreat to create a more efficient, resilient, and future-focused tourism operation.
European Bakery is a well-known local bakery in Queenstown, supplying fresh products across the region. After recently relocating to a new purpose-built facility, they took the opportunity to future-proof their operations by integrating advanced electrification technologies.
During the move to their new premises, European Bakery made a strategic decision to electrify their operations. They have already transitioned one of their ovens from gas to electric, with plans to replace additional ovens as they reach end of life. This shift will reduce their reliance on volatile gas markets and improve long-term energy certainty.
They have also implemented smart energy systems to optimise overall energy use, particularly across their refrigeration. Alongside this, they installed a 105 kW rooftop solar array and a 24 kWh battery system. Because their operations closely align with solar production hours, they expect to use nearly 100% of the electricity generated on-site. This will significantly reduce operating costs over the 25–30+ year lifespan of the system.
A unique aspect of this project is that European Bakery leases the building. They worked closely with their landlord, John Eckhold, to structure a mutually beneficial agreement. This partnership allows the bakery to access lower-cost renewable energy, while the landlord receives a return on their solar investment, demonstrating an innovative and replicable model for tenant–landlord collaboration.
QEA supported European Bakery by delivering a detailed solar and battery feasibility analysis. We helped identify the optimal system size and configuration, provided guidance on pricing and expected economic returns, and advised on structuring and setting up the solar for renters agreement. This included helping define how costs and benefits could be shared between tenant and landlord, ensuring a financially viable outcome for both parties.
Solar for Renters, Solar step by step guide
Located in the heart of Central Otago,Electric Cherries is demonstrating what the future of agriculture can look likein Aotearoa. Their orchard operates using 21 electric machines, replacingtraditional fossil fuel equipment with cleaner, quieter, and more efficientelectric alternatives.
To support this transition, ElectricCherries installed a 150 kW solar array alongside a 300 kWh battery storagesystem, creating an integrated energy system that powers orchard operationswhile reducing reliance on the grid.
The result is a more resilient,lower-emissions operation with greater control over energy costs and theability to actively participate in the electricity market.
● 21 electric machines operating across the orchard
● 150 kW rooftop solar system
● Solar generation covers approximately 80% of annual energyuse
● 300 kWh battery storage system
● Reduced peak electricity demand charges
● Ability to export electricity back to the grid during peakpricing periods
● Lower operational emissions and fuel costs
● Improved energy resilience and self-sufficiency
Electric Cherries set out to rethink how a modern orchard could operate — reducing dependence on diesel while improving long-term operational efficiency and resilience.
The orchard progressively transitioned its machinery fleet to electric alternatives, now operating fully from 21 electric machines across day-to-day operations.
To power this electrified system, the business invested in a 150 kW solar array that now supplies around 80% of the orchard’s annual electricity demand. Paired with a 300 kWh battery storage system, the site can store solar energy generated during the day and use it when electricity prices are higher or when demand on the grid peaks.
The battery system also enables the orchard to export electricity back to the grid during peak pricing periods, helping reduce demand on the wider electricity network while creating additional value from their energy system.
By electrifying operations and integrating solar and storage, Electric Cherries has created a more predictable, resilient, and future-focused energy system for their business.