MainPower Decarbonisation Fund

The MainPower Decarbonisation Fund supports projects that reduce carbon emissions within the MainPower network area. 

The MainPower Decarbonisation Fund opens once every year, providing up to $100,000 of financial assistance to local organisations, businesses, individuals, and any other entity positively contributing to decarbonisation within the MainPower network area (Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura).

We’re here to help. Get in touch if you need help. Or, check out our FAQs.

About the fund

Introduced in 2025, the MainPower Decarbonisation Fund supports projects that reduce carbon emissions. It focuses on initiatives being undertaken in, or benefitting communities within, the MainPower network area (Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura).

By offering grants and resources, we aim to empower our community to implement projects that have a tangible impact on our environment. Whether it’s through renewable energy installations, electrification projects, new technology adoption, research, or educational programmes, we believe that every effort counts in our collective journey towards a greener future.

The MainPower Decarbonisation Fund is part of our MPowered Future strategy, which identifies “decarbonising our place” as a key focus area for MainPower. Click here to find out more about our MPowered Future strategy.

MainPower Decarbonisation Fund process

The MainPower Decarbonisation Fund is open for applications between 1 April and 30 June every year.  

Online applications

Applicants are encouraged to review the terms and conditions and submit an application online.

Funding round closes

The deadline for applications is 30 June 2025.

Committee review

A committee of MainPower representatives will shortlist applications.

More information

Shortlisted applicants may be required to provide further information in person or in writing.

Funding decision

Applicants will be advised of the outcome in writing.

Tips for applications

If you don’t find the answers you need, please get in touch with our team.

Read the terms and conditions

Please read the Decarbonisation Fund terms and conditions carefully to make sure you meet the funding criteria.

Know what information you will need

To complete this application, you will need detailed information about the project, including:

  • organisation details
  • application contact person details
  • detailed information about the project, including it’s objectives and community benefits
  • how the project aligns with MainPower’s strategic direction and company values
  • budget and funding
  • project implementation plan, including timelines, evaluation measures, and governance structures.
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Complete the whole form before you submit

Make sure you have entered all the information before you press “submit”. You will not be able to edit a form once submitted. Talk to us if you have concerns about what you have submitted.

Tell us about any confidential information

If any information in your application is confidential, you must let us know upon submission.

The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. Monday 30 June 2025. 

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Step 1 of 7 - Terms & conditions

FAQs

If you don’t find the answers you need, please get in touch with our team.

What is the MainPower Decarbonisation Fund?

The MainPower Decarbonisation Fund was established in 2025 to support projects that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices within the Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura communities.

Who is eligible for funding?

The fund is open to local organisations, businesses, individuals, and any other entity working on solutions to lower carbon footprints.

Applicants based on the MainPower network are eligible to apply. Groups located outside the network are also eligible to apply if they can demonstrate benefit to the communities within the network.

Please check our terms and conditions for full funding eligibility.

What type of projects are eligible for funding?

Any project that can demonstrate a positive contribution towards decarbonisation will be considered. This could be renewable energy installations, electrification projects, new technology adoption, research, or educational programmes.

We believe that every effort counts in our collective journey towards a greener future. If you are unsure if your project is eligible, get in touch to check.

How can I make an application to the MainPower Decarbonisation Fund?

We are only able to accept online applications via our website. MainPower will not accept applications submitted through any other means.

How much funding can an applicant receive?

Up to $100,000 of funding is available annually. This can be allocated to one or multiple successful applications based on the project’s merit and demonstrated benefits towards decarbonisation.

What is the application process?

The application process typically involves submitting a detailed proposal outlining the project, its objectives, expected outcomes, and a budget. Applicants may also need to provide supporting documents and evidence of their ability to complete the project.

Following the application deadline, a committee of MainPower representatives will shortlist applications. Shortlisted applications may be required to provide additional information in person or in writing to support the committee’s final allocation decision. All allocation decisions are final.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as the project’s potential impact on carbon reduction, feasibility, innovation, and alignment with the fund’s goals. A review committee typically assesses the applications.

Can applicants submit multiple applications?

Yes and no. You can submit applications for different projects, but only one application per individual project will be considered.

We’re here to help

If you need some assistance or advice, please get in touch with our team.

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Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

Outage notifications

No current notifications

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

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