What if the places that bring us together—our schools, clubs, churches, and marae—also powered our future? Across Taranaki, community buildings are still tied to increasingly expensive gas systems, quietly draining budgets that should be spent on people, not power bills. Power to the People flips that story. This project invites communities to discover how renewable energy and smart behaviour change can turn everyday buildings into clean-energy hubs. Through engaging workshops and real-world examples, we show how solar and electrification can cut costs now, strengthen resilience, and spark curiosity and learning for the next generation. When trusted community spaces generate and share their own power, renewable energy stops feeling complex or risky—and starts feeling normal, achievable, and exciting.
BAF is supporting the development and presentation of a series of information evenings/workshops aimed at accelerating Taranaki public building electrification and solar installation. This will be delivered as information packs and a roadshow style initiative throughout 2026. This project will highlight multiple entry points from simple installations to community energy networks, along with a variety of funding solutions allowing organizations to engage at their comfort level.
BAF is acting as fundholder to the project and providing back-office support. We gratefully acknowledge funding from the New Plymouth District Council, & in-kind support and partnership from Sustainable Taranaki, Community Energy Network, Rewiring Aotearoa, Ara Ake, Powerco & many others.
To get in involved please visit: https://www.facebook.com/communityenergytaranaki/ or email: communityenergytaranaki@gmail.com