Vector Switches on NZ's First Tesla Powerwall Battery

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Vector's Future of Energy officially arrived today at Otara's Rongomai School, where the kids helped Energy Minister, Hon Simon Bridges flick the switch on New Zealand's first Tesla Energy Powerwall battery.

Vector and its majority shareholder, the Auckland Energy Consumer Trust (AECT), launched the Future of Energy campaign last year, with 130 of Auckland's most deserving families, schools and community groups winning a state-of-the-art Vector Solar power system with a Tesla Energy Powerwall battery.

Today, the first of those systems was fully connected at Rongomai School. The Tesla Energy Powerwall battery has been installed next to a classroom, enabling the kids to monitor how it works and the impact it will have on the school's power usage and cost.

Class teacher, Nicholas Pattison was responsible for entering the competition:

'We've been working hard to develop an integrated science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) programme. As a Future of Energy competition winner, we now have an amazing opportunity to genuinely teach the kids and school community about the broader principles of sustainability and the role technology plays. The best way for kids to become excited and passionate about anything is for them to have access to it. They will see solar power and a world leading storage battery in action. It's so exciting for the school,' he said.

Vector chief executive, Simon Mackenzie says Vector is delighted to be giving back to the community in this way.

'We had more than 100,000 votes for Future of Energy and are thrilled for our diverse group of very worthy group of winners. Knowing what a pivotal role the system will play in extending the Rongomai School kids' knowledge and experience of leading edge technology is just fantastic. They'll be learning and Vector will be too, as this campaign is providing us with invaluable insights as we continue to develop next-generation battery and energy solutions,' he said.

AECT Chairman, William Cairns says: 'We're delighted to have been involved in this community initiative as the AECT is committed to making a difference to our beneficiaries' lives each year.

'Rongomai School, as with all our winners, will reap benefits as their new Vector Solar power and Tesla Energy Powerwall battery systems will certainly make a significant difference to their power bills and allow their buildings to become more sustainable as they harness the power of the sun.'