Power for the People!
Kia Kaha Tātou!
For over 30 years the Counties Energy Trust has ensured the trust ownership model benefits you, our community.
Welcome to the
Counties Energy Trust
Do you live in the Franklin area but have never heard of The Counties Energy Trust? Let’s get you up to speed on the who, what, why!
Not many people know that Counties Energy, your local electricity network company that services over 49,000 homes, farms, and businesses in our region is also 100% locally owned. Since its establishment in 1993, the role of the Counties Energy Trust has been to hold 100% of the shares of the Counties Energy business on your behalf, to ensure it benefits our community. Governed by a Trust deed, the trust is made up of 5 passionate individuals who call the Franklin district home and are elected by the public every 2 years.
Counties Energy Trust
Since 1993, the role of the Counties Energy Trust has been to hold 100% of the shares of the Counties Energy business on your behalf, to ensure it benefits our community. Governed by a Trust deed, the trust is made up of 5 individuals who call the Franklin district home and are elected by the public every 2 years.
Counties Energy
Counties Energy Ltd is your local energy network company. They operate and maintain the energy infrastructure within the Franklin area, like the power lines you see on your street and much more. This supplies over 49,000 homes, farms and businesses. This isn’t who you receive your power bills from – that’s your energy company.
Your Energy Retailer
Your energy or power retailer is the one that invoices you weekly/fortnightly/monthly for your energy or power usage. You might recognize brands like Energy Online, Electric Kiwi, or Contact Energy — these are retailers. There are lots of options out there, so make sure you do your research and find the one that best suits your household energy needs.
Consumers
That’s you! You use energy on the daily at your household or business, which your chosen retailer invoices you for. A reminder, that our local network company is Counties Energy and they look after the electricity lines (and more) that bring power into your property and we, The Counties Energy Trust hold 100% of the shares of the Counties Energy business on your behalf to ensure it benefits the community.
Let’s connect the dots!
We know the energy industry can be complicated at the best of times, in particular for those at the end of the power bill. The Counties Energy Trust is a big believer in that empowering the community can be more than just keeping the lights on, it can also be helping you understand who is who AND what we each do. So let’s help you connect the dots!
Important Documents & Resources
Stay Informed with Our Key Documents
Trust Documents
Annual Reports
AGM Notices
Want to become a Trustee?
What does the trust do, you're asking? A trustee’s role is to oversee Counties Energy who provide a critical service to our community, ensuring we have a safe and reliable electricity network, including building and maintaining it, while future-proofing it for growth.
Meet Your Trustees
Christine Rupp
Chair
Alan Eyes
Trustee
Megan Matthews
Trustee
Donald Thomson
Trustee
Mike Marr
Trustee
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions here.
What is the role of the Counties Energy Trust?
The Counties Energy Trust holds 100% of the shares in Counties Energy Limited on behalf of the consumers connected to the local electricity network. The Trust's primary role is to monitor the performance of the company and ensure that investments and operations benefit the community.
Who manages the Counties Energy Trust?
The Trust is managed by five elected Trustees. Every two years, elections are held where two Trustees are required to stand down but are eligible for re-election. This process ensures continuous community representation and oversight.
How are the Trustees elected?
Public elections for Trustees are held every two years, typically beginning midway through the year. There is a formal process to follow to stand in elections. As an example - candidates must be nominated and seconded, be 18 years old or over abnd live within the area serviced by Counties Energy (this also means that the power bill must be under the candidates name). If the candidate meets the criteria, the public will be able to vote for them during elections. The two candidates with the highest amount of votes will elected to the trust.
What is the duration of the Trust?
The Trust was established with a deed that will terminate no later than May 9, 2072, unless the Trustees decide on an earlier or later termination based on specific obligations.
Where can I find the Trust's financial reports and documents?
All reports and documents, including ownership reports and financial statements, are available for download in PDF format on our website. You can access them here.
How can I stay informed about Trust activities and announcements?
The Trust regularly posts notices, news, and updates on our website. To stay informed about our activities, including election announcements and annual general meetings, please visit our news section.
Can I attend the Trust's Annual General Meeting (AGM)?
Yes, consumers connected to the Counties Energy network are welcome to attend the Trust's AGM. Details about the AGM, including date, time, and location, are posted on our website in advance. Click here for more info.
How can I provide feedback or suggestions to the Trust?
We value input from our community. You can provide feedback or suggestions by contacting us via email at secretary@countiesenergytrust.org.nz or by filling out the contact form on our website.
How does the Trust benefit the community?
The Trust holds 100% of the shares of Counties Energy Ltd on behalf of you the local consumer, this is to ensure that decisions made by the business, including investing in the network, continue to benefit our community. One significant benefit is the annual electricity discount provided to eligible consumers each December, reflecting the Trust's commitment to returning value to the community.
News & Updates
Keep up to date with energy news, community events and ways to save on your energy bill here.
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