Question 1

Who is PowerHub

Accepted Answer

Every business deserves to be legendary. 
PowerHub is an approved electricity retailer registered with Electricity Authority,  the Participant Register can be accessed at register.ea.govt.nz(https://register.ea.govt.nz/)
PowerHub’s vision is to become known as the market leader for an optimised energy solution-based service provider. To solve issues around stability and security of power supply, with batteries, solar PV and wind, for an optimised energy solution. To reduce waste of electricity in transmission and distribution, to lower carbon emissions, and to increase sustainability. 
We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional levels of customer service. Tools of which that allow us to deliver this service may vary from time to time.

Question 2

What is PowerHub’s mission?

Accepted Answer

PowerHub’s mission is to provide a service for security and stability of power usage in Kiwi homes.

Question 3

What is the issue PowerHub is trying to solve?

Accepted Answer

Given New Zealand’s commitment of net zero emissions by 2050, and with the increase in smart homes, electric vehicles and smart appliances, the trend of higher electricity consumption at household level, without interruption, is becoming irreversible.

New Zealand's national grid is considered reliable and secure, but it has experienced some high-profile failures in the past, including the 1998 Auckland power crisis, the 2006 Auckland Blackout, and a 2009 incident where a forklift knocked out power to northern Auckland. Please see News section for some articles in recent times on power supply disruptions.

Transpower (the owner and operator of the National grid) has been working on replacing and refurbishing the aging grid assets and increasing the grid's capacity. This is a huge task and will take quite some time to complete. Meanwhile, households’ requirement and demand for secure and stable electricity is rising at a faster speed.

On a different note, electronics models go obsolete at a faster rate than before too. The traditional business model of selling a fridge or an oven to the household can no longer meet their requirement and budgets.

At PowerHub, it’s more than just an energy company. It’s a high-tech service company, focused on adding value, at no extra costs, to provide a service for all Kiwi households to enjoy.  PowerHub through the use of batteries, is laying a solid foundation, for the introduction and arrival of a more digitised world.

Right now, the tools to provide secure power supply is through the use of batteries. In the near future, we will release solar PV, smart appliances and much much more.

Question 4

How do I know this is suitable for my household?

Accepted Answer

-  Are you worried about air-conditioning not working during heat waves?
-  Are you concerned about not having hot water or heating during cold snaps?
- Do you get annoyed when being kicked out of your gaming during power cuts?
-  Do you have a server at home that needs UPS?
-  Are you renovating your kitchen incorporating more premium appliances?
-  Are you installing a heated swimming pool?
-  Do you have a wine cellar for that expensive collection under controlled temperature?

If you answered yes to any one of the questions above, like to pioneer new services with proven technology, consumes a total of 20,000kWh per annum or spending $450 minimum each month on electricity, then we can help.

Question 5

Do I have to sign a fixed-term contract?

Accepted Answer

PowerHub does not offer fixed term contract. Equipment does not cost you money and you do not pay more in power cost when being compared to before with switching to PowerHub. That’s it. No strings attached.

Question 6

What is BSSaaS?

Accepted Answer

Battery Storage Solution as a Service (BSSaaS) is a service offering that requires no capital outlay from customers, for security and stability of power supply at their residences. There is no fixed term contract to sign and will not be a burden to the household budget but staying within their current spending levels.

Question 7

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

If your current electricity consumption is 20,000 kWh or more, and that equates to an estimated $450 or more spent each month, this is likely to be a suitable solution.

We are offering this service to our exclusive Club Members, through a subscription-based model, with no fixed terms. For less than a cup of coffee each day, at $100 per month, you get to enjoy the premium and exclusive service deals that PowerHub has lined up for you, with batteries being the first offer to release.

Question 8

What type of batteries does PowerHub use?

Accepted Answer

PowerHub uses EcoWave LiFePO4 batteries, which are made up of 15kWh storage capacity with a built-in 6kW inverter all-in-one. The batteries are lithium-ion phosphate, which is a better choice, as supposed to the use of Lithium-ion batteries commonly found in smartphones or e-vehicles.

LiFePO4 batteries use lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material (the negative side) and a graphite carbon electrode as the anode (the positive side). LiFePO4 batteries have the lowest energy density of current lithium-ion battery types, so they aren't desirable for space-constrained devices like smartphones. However, this energy density trade-off comes with a few neat advantages.

Common lithium-ion batteries start wearing out after a few hundred charge cycles. This is why smartphone loses its maximum capacity after two or three years. LiFePO4 batteries typically offer at least 3000 full charge cycles before they begin to lose capacity.  EcoWave’s batteries allow for more than 6000 full charge cycles and will come online within 10 milliseconds of power cuts.

LiFePO4 batteries don't have nickel or cobalt in them. Both materials are rare and expensive, and there are environmental and ethical issues around mining them. This makes LiFePO4 batteries a greener battery type with less conflict associated with their materials.

With its lowest energy density, LiFePO4 batteries are inherently more stable than other lithium battery types. They are harder to ignite, better at handling higher temperatures and don't decompose like other lithium chemistries tend to do. This is why it’s safe to install at home in the non-inhabited part of the house and is less prone to combustion

Question 9

Is there a promotion on right now?

Accepted Answer

To acknowledge our pioneer clients and forward thinkers, for the first 100 clients who meet our criteria and signup to receive the batteries, we will waive their membership fee of $100 per month, for life. That means they get to enjoy all the future services including the batteries forever.

Question 10

How is this service being offered?

Accepted Answer

Customers would enter into a Customer Service Agreement, with no fixed term contract, no capital outlay and not spending more than their current energy bills. Technology is evolving at a rapid rate. Household appliances and smart homes are getting more complex with more demand on energy. Perhaps, ownership of appliances outright, is no longer the optimal solution. With PowerHub, you could enjoy the convenience and services those appliances can provide, without paying for them upfront or outright.

Question 11

Can I buy it if I do not qualify?

Accepted Answer

Of course, you could purchase our EcoWave batteries (15kWh) outright for $11,900 including GST, with a service fee of $15 per month.

Question 12

How do I become a club member?

Accepted Answer

There are two ways to become a club member in this exclusive offer. One way is to subscribe to the company’s service offer for $100 per month. Another way is to purchase the batteries (future products) from us, and pay $15 per month subscription to access the smart APP management.

Question 13

If I have a big house, can I receive two?

Accepted Answer

In due course, we will release batteries with a higher capacity. Please reach out and discuss with our team.

Question 14

Where can I install it?

Accepted Answer

Our EcoWave products are capable of being installed indoors and outdoors, as long as we avoid direct contact with sprays, sunlight, heavy smoke or gas, or direct path of sea breeze within 1 km of seashore.

Question 15

Who is doing the installations?

Accepted Answer

With prior written consent of PowerHub, a qualified electrician is required to do this installation, maintenance and uninstallation.

Question 16

How much does the installation costs?

Accepted Answer

Installation cost is site dependent and can  be quoted by a qualified electrician.

Question 17

Is it safe to install inside the house?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is indoor capable.

Question 18

Who owns the batteries?

Accepted Answer

PowerHub will own the asset, and is responsible for maintenance, upgrades, and replacement of the equipment.

Question 19

Who will maintain the BSSaaS after installation?

Accepted Answer

PowerHub will own the asset, and is responsible for maintenance, upgrades, and replacement of the equipment.

Question 20

What would happen when batteries reach its end of life?

Accepted Answer

PowerHub will own the batteries and is responsible for maintenance, upgrades, and replacement of the equipment. We will also take the old batteries away to recycle and repurpose in a secure way

Question 21

Can I get solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in due course we will release solar PV for households

Question 22

Do I qualify for batteries from PowerHub if have solar panels from another provider?

Accepted Answer

Please discuss with our team for a more accurate assessment of suitability.

Question 23

Are batteries green sustainable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as batteries store energy when it’s not needed instead of being wasted, it lowers carbon footprint and is adding to the green sustainability of our country.

Question 24

What if my battery runs out during a blackout?

Accepted Answer

In New Zealand, the average duration of power outages varies by region and is commonly measured using the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), which represents the total duration of interruptions for the average customer over a year.

As of 2024, the national average SAIDI was over 204 minutes per customer annually, indicating that the typical customer experienced approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes of power outages per year. Regional variations exist; for example, Auckland’s electricity distribution company, Vector, reported a SAIDI of 161.9 minutes, while Christchurch’s Orion had a SAIDI of 57.4 minutes.

These figures suggest that, on average, New Zealand customers experience between 1 to 3 hours of power outages annually, depending on their location.

EcoWave batteries stores 15kWh of electricity on site each day, which is 6.7 hours if your household uses 20,000 kWh of electricity, which equates to spending $450 a month. Having said that, you have purchased a service, we will at the right time, release new tools to help with households who experience blackouts longer than what the batteries can sustain.

Question 25

How do I pay for my power bill?

Accepted Answer

PowerHub will accept the payment for your power bills and pay electricity retailers on your behalf.

Question 26

Is there a savings to my power bill if I sign up to PowerHub?

Accepted Answer

Our mission is to provide stability and security of electricity use at households. In this case, by accepting this additional level of superior service, households do not incur additional costs.

Question 27

Are diesel generators a good option as an alternative to your offer?

Accepted Answer

Diesel generators after purchase, would tend to produce by-products such as noise, fume, as well as a higher up-keep cost. Diesel has an expiry date, so for optimal performance of the diesel generator, old diesel needs to be replaced periodically (usually monthly) or burnt off.

Question 28

Who is responsible for the installations cost?

Accepted Answer

There is no capital outlay for the system, with no fixed term contract. Customers are responsible for freight and installation of the system at home, as the installation cost is site dependent.

Question 29

Where can I get some more information?

Accepted Answer

Please reach out to us directly or register your interest, one of our team members will reach out to you to discuss your unique situation.

Question 30

How can I support this better?

Accepted Answer

You could support this, by being our first one hundred (100) customers, knowing that you are supporting a good cause and supporting a local business.

Question 31

Where are EcoWave batteries made?

Accepted Answer

PowerHub utilises a strong supply chain to globally source and procure parts and products. PowerHub is in a process of setting up a R&D Centre, with manufacturing capabilities in New Zealand. We are immensely proud of this NZ Inc. story.

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