BAF is supporting the creation of this initiative, as fundholder and through back-office support.
Electrification is a step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels, creating energy autonomy & an affordable future.
Despite increasing availability of technical, affordable solutions, including solar panels, households still face barriers to electrifying their homes & appliances – lack of time, expertise, outdated knowledge, fear of mucking up (FOMU), finance, etc.
Community Energy Taranaki’s (CET) inaugural project, “Electrify Your Whare” (EYW) is a community-led initiative helping Taranaki households break down barriers to electrification, to reduce emissions, improve health, & save money, via a “with you, not for you” approach, grounded in behavioural science & local collaboration.
Activities include peer supported groups with expert guidance, speaker events, workshops, buyers groups, resource development, and public engagement.
EYW was a participant in the 2025 Community Energy Activator, as a participant. CET was a partner, along with Ara Ake, Community Energy Network, & Powerco.
Following the mid-2025 pilot, EYW will develop tools & activities to roll-out the project more effectively & efficiently, without compromising the programme’s core values of inclusion, empowerment, & local relevance.
This project is in its research, development & trial stage until mid-2026, & will then gradually roll-out operationally.
Through CET’s national affiliations with Rewiring Aotearoa, Community Energy Network, & local partnerships with Sustainable Taranaki, etc., EYW aims to reach as many whānau as possible, and made available as an “open-source”, adaptable solution to supporting behaviour change to an electrified future.
CET gratefully acknowledge funding from the New Plymouth District Council, COGS & in-kind support from other community partners, including those already noted above.
To get involved (team member, or interested in electrifying your home, marae, etc.) in Taranaki please get in touch through our contact page.