Left to right: David Spratt Christine Rupp (Chair), Don Thomson, Phil Beston and Alan Eyes.
Power for the People!
Kia Kaha Tātou!
Counties Energy Trust sheds light on the Trust ownership model.
100% of the shares in Counties Energy Limited are held by the Trust for the benefit of the Company’s consumers who are connected to it’s electricity lines network.
The Trustees are delighted to announce that the annual December discount for 2023 of approx. $13.2 million has been credited to eligible Consumers’ electricity bills.
About Us
Welcome to Counties Energy Trust! The Counties Energy Trust is a special Trust that has roots all the way back in May 1993 when the old Franklin Electric Power Board was given the new title of Counties Power Limited.
The ownership of this new company was given to inaugural Trustees of the Counties Power Trust. The original Trust was resettled as the Counties Power Consumer Trust in 1995, and a new deed was signed.
This deed will terminate no later than 9 May 2072 unless the Trustees fulfil other obligations surrounding an earlier (or later termination).
In 2021 the Company changed it’s name to Counties Energy Limited, in line with it’s bold vision for the future of the energy market. The Trust aligned itself with the Company’s new branding and renamed itself as Counties Energy Trust.
Trustees own all of the shares in Counties Energy. All of the Trustees are elected by the local community. Although the company is operated by appointed directors and employed managers, it is the duty of the Trustees to act on behalf of the consumers.
At all times, the affairs and actions of the Trustees are governed by a Deed of Trust.
The overall role of the Trust is to monitor the performance of the Company, for now, and into the future, and to enhance the investment for the benefit of the Consumers, who are beneficiaries of the Trust.
Sponsored by Counties Energy Limited
About Us
Welcome to Counties Energy Trust! The Counties Energy Trust is a special Trust that has roots all the way back in May 1993 when the old Franklin Electric Power Board was given the new title of Counties Power Limited.
The ownership of this new company was given to inaugural Trustees of the Counties Power Trust. The original Trust was resettled as the Counties Power Consumer Trust in 1995, and a new deed was signed.
This deed will terminate no later than 9 May 2072 unless the Trustees fulfil other obligations surrounding an earlier (or later termination).
In 2021 the Company changed it’s name to Counties Energy Limited, in line with it’s bold vision for the future of the energy market. The Trust aligned itself with the Company’s new branding and renamed itself as Counties Energy Trust.
Trustees own all of the shares in Counties Energy. All of the Trustees are elected by the local community. Although the company is operated by appointed directors and employed managers, it is the duty of the Trustees to act on behalf of the consumers.
At all times, the affairs and actions of the Trustees are governed by a Deed of Trust.
The overall role of the Trust is to monitor the performance of the Company, for now, and into the future, and to enhance the investment for the benefit of the Consumers, who are beneficiaries of the Trust.
Consumer Discounts
After allowing for asset maintenance and improvements to the network, all consumers can expect an electricity discount at the end of the year.
Such a discount would not be possible should the shares ever go outside the community. In addition, when sufficient funds have been saved up over the years, the Trust makes a distribution to the consumers in the form of consumer discounts each December. In December 2021, the Company granted approx $12.5 million (incl. GST), which equates to an average grant of $280 per connection.
The Trustees consider that the annual discount is the most efficient means of providing returns to the Trust's beneficiaries, i.e. Consumers. Such discounts can only be provided whilst the shares of the Company remain in Trust.
Counties Energy Trust – Trustees
Get to know our Trustees and how they contribute to the overall success of the Trust.
Reports & Documents
Our documents and reports give you further insight into how the Trust operates. You’ll find documents such as ownership reports and Trust financials.
Elections
Each year we hold local elections for our Board of Trustees! We are more than happy to tell you more about the process should you be interested.
Our Trustees
Christine Rupp (Chair)
Alan Eyes
Megan Matthews
Donald Thomson
Mike Marr
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Consumer Discounts
Are you interested in becoming a Counties Energy Trustee? Or know someone who would be?
A Trustee needs to reside in the district that is served by the Counties Power network. They will also need to be nominated as well as seconded for the position of Trustee. Nominees need to have their own name on their electricity account.
Usually, the opportunity to become a Trustee comes around every two years or so. This is to maintain the number of Trustees that we currently have.
The process begins around June every two years, and the final results are determined by the consumers in a public election. Each Trustee usually serves on the Trust for at least four years (unless they leave the district or are no longer eligible), although this can extend for two years depending upon vacancies and election results.
The duties of every new Trustee begin immediately following the Annual General Meeting – usually held each August. Training is given, and although there is no salary attached to the position, each Trustee is reimbursed for reasonable expenses, including an annual honorarium.
Consumer Discounts
Are you interested in becoming a Counties Energy Trustee? Or know someone who would be?
A Trustee needs to reside in the district that is served by the Counties Power network. They will also need to be nominated as well as seconded for the position of Trustee. Nominees need to have their own name on their electricity account.
Usually, the opportunity to become a Trustee comes around every two years or so. This is to maintain the number of Trustees that we currently have.
The process begins around June every two years, and the final results are determined by the consumers in a public election. Each Trustee usually serves on the Trust for at least four years (unless they leave the district or are no longer eligible), although this can extend for two years depending upon vacancies and election results.
The duties of every new Trustee begin immediately following the Annual General Meeting – usually held each August. Training is given, and although there is no salary attached to the position, each Trustee is reimbursed for reasonable expenses, including an annual honorarium.
Counties Energy Trust
- 100% consumer-owned company
- No price increases since 2016
- Consumer discounts are distributed in December
- 100% shareholder of Counties Energy
- Deed in place to govern Trustee activities
- Trustees determined by local, public elections
Have any questions for us here at Counties Energy Trust? We’d be more than happy to answer them for you. Get in touch with us today.