Horizon Networks are advising customers they have begun controlling the hot water heaters connected to the network. This means hot water cylinders are likely to be turned off on cold days typically between the hours of 7:30am to 9:30am and 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Following a load control period, it may take some time for your hot water cylinder to reach its normal operating temperature and, if customers use a lot of hot water during that time, they may run out of hot water.
WHY DO WE LOAD CONTROL?
Turning off the hot water heating during peak times helps reduce the amount of peak electricity being used in the lower North Island. Hot water can be heated at non-peak times rather than during the peak when households need electricity for heating and cooking. Essentially, it is a simple, effective way of flattening out the peaks and troughs of demand for electricity.
This control reduces congestion on the national grid and avoids bringing forward costly new grid investment just to meet periods of peak demand. By managing the peak demand on our network, national grid transmission charges can be reduced, and these savings are passed on in full to our customers through reduced charges. If load control was not carried out, household bills could rise by over $200 per year.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO LIMIT THE POSSIBILITY OF RUNNING OUT OF HOT WATER?
A typical hot water cylinder will retain its temperature over the period we load control, provided it is at operating temperature and there is limited hot water usage over the period of control. For other ways to save on hot water, please visit energywise.govt.nz.
WHO SHOULD YOU CONTACT IF YOU ARE UNSURE IF YOUR HOT WATER CYLINDER IS FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY?
Customers should contact their retailers in the first instance and confirm whether the network is load controlling or call us on 0800 467 496.
Queries & Complaints
If you have a query or complaint about our service, please contact us in the first instance. Horizon Network’s in-house complaints handling process is confidential and free for you to use. For more information about our in-house complaints handling process, visit www.horizonnetworks.nz.
Horizon Networks is a member of the Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner Scheme (“EGCC”). The EGCC Scheme is free and independent. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint, or if we have not resolved your complaint within twenty (20) working days, you have the option of contacting the Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner on 0800 22 33 40, www.egcomplaints.co.nz.