Can we have clean, cheap, reliable energy?

Join the livestream for a 6.30pm start

There are two ticket types for this event: you can join this event online or in person.

CCC Function Room, Level 1

Te Hononga Christchurch Civic Building

Entrance 58 Worcester Boulevard

Presentations & Panel Discussion 6.30-8pm (registration required)

We have limited capacity for in-person tickets at Level 2 - so get in quick!

Please book for all the people you are attending the in-person event with. We will arrange the seating in pods so you can sit with the people you are attending with, while also maintaining social distancing from others.

For online registrations, we will email you a link. Easy!

Currently 60 percent of NZ's total energy comes from fossil fuels - namely oil, gas and coal - big polluters. The main culprit is transport - our reliance on cars, utes and trucks. Our electricity system is heavily-renewable, but not as clean and green as some might think. We’re importing more coal, the North Island’s had recent power outages, and our national grid’s showing signs of strain.

We need to act quickly and adapt our energy systems to keep up with the changing climate and increased demand.

But how can we keep our homes comfortable and the country running while reducing emissions? How do we pay the bills?

Is the answer accelerated electrification? Renewable energy? A national energy strategy? And just how fast do we need to move?

Join us for ‘Can we have clean, cheap, reliable energy?’ to hear from experts, businesses, individuals and community groups who are leaving fossil fuels behind. Learn about the steps we could take towards dependable energy that is good for the planet but doesn’t cost the earth.

6.30-8pm - presentations & panel discussion

Dr Jan Wright, former Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, presents 'Decarbonising New Zealand's energy systems - the big picture'

Pip Newland, Sustainability lead at Orion, takes us through the opportunities and trade-offs facing lines companies because of climate change

Ryan Kuggeleijn, Sustainable Development Manager at Meridian Energy, talks about how climate change will affect electricity supply and demand, and Meridian's response

Paul Fuge, Powerswitch Manager (Consumer NZ), does the numbers on inequity in the electricity market, and introduces us to solar power at home

Dr Chris Mardon, Managing Director at EcoBulb, shares lessons from work with families in energy hardship

Hon Dr Megan Woods, Minister of Energy and Resources, provides a response to the conversation

Join us in the CCC Function Room, Level 1 of Te Hononga Civic Building. Or join us online.

This is a free community event, but bookings are required for the presentations.

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This event is part of five Christchurch Conversations exploring how the city can achieve its climate goals. Join our mailing list to keep in touch.

The series is made possible by the support and enthusiasm of its family of sponsors and supporters, especially Christchurch Conversations Partner Christchurch City Council, Series Research Partner Building Better Homes Towns and Cities: National Science Challenge, and Series Sponsor It’s Time Canterbury.