Our team at ERGANZ is focused on delivering positive outcomes for electricity consumers, efficient market structures and a sustainable future for Aotearoa.
Who are ERGANZ and what do we do?
About us
We represent companies that generate and sell electricity to kiwi homes and businesses. Collectively, our members supply almost 90 percent of New Zealand’s electricity.
Our membership is made up of Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Mercury, Meridian Energy, and Nova Energy.
Our Work
Electricity lies at the heart of our economy and everyday lives, powering homes, businesses, and industry right throughout the country.
We’re proud that New Zealand offers a world-class electricity system, and we work for a competitive, fair, and sustainable electricity market that benefits New Zealand consumers.
The electricity sector is leading the charge in strengthening and decarbonising our economy, but there is still work to do to meet net zero goals while ensuring economic stability and long-term energy affordability.
Our three core priorities are:
1. advocating for an efficient energy market
2. supporting the most vulnerable in our society to have fair access to energy
3. championing electricity as the key driver for New Zealand's economic growth and zero emissions future.
Our activities support good consumer outcomes and build understanding of the electricity sector – including energy-saving tips, expert advice on creating warmer, healthier homes, and providing information about the Consumer Care Obligations.
We regularly engage with ministers and government officials to provide inform New Zealand’s energy policy and strategic direction. We also work with community groups to deliver targeted support to consumers needing assistance. Read our submissions.
Our Programmes
We manage and operate programmes which help consumers. These include:
- The EnergyMate website helps consumers make the most of their electricity and provides advice on appliances, power use, and power bills.
- The low-fixed charge Power Credits scheme (launched in 2022) is an industry-funded initiative that provides households in hardship who are transitioning off the low-fixed charge with $110 credits on their bills. The programme has issued around $3.5 million worth of credits to consumers to date.
- ERGANZ runs the Powering Change initiative (launched in May 2023) which promotes efforts across the energy sector to offer New Zealanders more renewable options. The website includes targets illustrating New Zealand's progress towards the goal of ensuring 50 percent of all energy use comes from renewable sources by 2035.
Bridget Abernethy
Chief Executive
Bridget’s career has spanned corporate communications and public affairs roles, where she has worked on complex issues across the public, private and community sectors.
As a respected senior leader who has held senior roles in external relations and government relations in the energy sector in Australia and New Zealand, Bridget brings a wealth of experience to support ERGANZ and the wider electricity sector at a time of significant growth and transformation.
As a respected senior leader who has held senior roles in external relations and government relations in the energy sector in Australia and New Zealand, Bridget brings a wealth of experience to support ERGANZ and the wider electricity sector at a time of significant growth and transformation.
Miranda Struthers
Accessible Energy Advocate
Miranda leads the Hardship and Fairness work programme for ERGANZ. She’s focused on supporting members to deliver positive outcomes for electricity consumers, through our Consumer Care Working Group and other initiatives, such as our award-winning EnergyMate programme.
Her professional background spans the public, community and private sector, with 15+ years project and management experience in the fields of sustainability and social equity.
Her professional background spans the public, community and private sector, with 15+ years project and management experience in the fields of sustainability and social equity.
Kenny Clark
Policy Consultant
Kenny provides expert analysis on energy sector policy issues, working with ERGANZ members to clearly advocate to decision makers how we can achieve a market structure that is efficient, sustainable and equitable.
Born and bred in Wellington, Kenny has extensive experience in the public sector, the political sphere and the regulatory environment, bringing a strategic vision to the needs of the energy sector.
Born and bred in Wellington, Kenny has extensive experience in the public sector, the political sphere and the regulatory environment, bringing a strategic vision to the needs of the energy sector.
Simon Neale
Consultant
Simon provides independent analysis and advice on the wholesale electricity market, retail markets, energy hedging and risk management.
Simon has worked for companies including TrustPower, Contact Energy and ANZ Banking Group and brings over 25 years international experience and connections in the Electricity, Financial Markets, Infrastructure, Primary Production and Environmental Consulting industries to the ERGANZ team.
Simon has worked for companies including TrustPower, Contact Energy and ANZ Banking Group and brings over 25 years international experience and connections in the Electricity, Financial Markets, Infrastructure, Primary Production and Environmental Consulting industries to the ERGANZ team.
Elaine Olphert
Operations Lead for EnergyMate
Elaine joined ERGANZ 1 May 2024.
Kerry Wyatt
Office Manager
Kerry has come from a background in Operations/Project Coordination/Office Management where she has honed her skills supporting high-level executives in varied and fast paced environments.
Sam Patchett
Head of Communications
Sam leads the communications work programme for ERGANZ. He ensures that ERGANZ has a clear public voice on issues relating to the energy sector, including in the media and on social media.
He has extensive experience in communications and public relations, having worked for agencies in Wellington and London. He also spent several years working as a press secretary and ministerial advisor.
He has extensive experience in communications and public relations, having worked for agencies in Wellington and London. He also spent several years working as a press secretary and ministerial advisor.
This wouldn't be possible without our members
