MainPower, the North Canterbury electricity distribution company that stretches from Kainga and Stewarts Gully through the Waimakariri and Hurunui and into the Kaikōura District, is looking for people to join its newly assembled Customer Advisory Panel.
MainPower CE Sean Horgan says the panel is being formed to complement the company’s engagement with its communities and highlight the consumer voice in network decision-making.
“As a consumer-trust owned business, it’s important we include our customers as much as practicable in our decision-making. We currently survey our customers regularly and hold intensive engagement sessions every other year – the addition of a dedicated Customer Advisory Panel ensures we’re capturing the opinions of our communities on a regular basis.”
Mr Horgan says the company is looking for community guidance on a range of topics, from where investment in the network should be prioritised for future needs to how the company can better support customers to flex up or down for their energy needs.
“The energy sector is currently in a state of unprecedented growth and change. We’re interested in hearing from our communities to understand what is important to them. Is solar going to be more prolific across the network? How can we even out the peaks and troughs of energy supply without disrupting our customers’ lives? Is there a better way for us to engage with our customers? The answers to these questions will help us shape our network, our investments and our priorities over the coming years.”
Positions on the panel are voluntary, but Mr Horgan says a koha will be paid to panellists to cover expenses like travel and time out of work. Two-hour meetings have been scheduled for midday four times a year, and it’s hoped all those on the panel will be able to attend in person.
“We appreciate this is a big ask for those community members outside of our local area, so we are considering forming district-specific panels in the future if the outcomes warrant it. This first year, we’re hoping just four meetings won’t be too onerous for our panel members to make their way to.”
A position description and application form is now available online through MainPower’s website. Candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to community and customer-focussed values, be willing to engage in open dialogue and provide honest feedback. Experience in community engagement, customer service or governance is desirable but not essential.
“We’d love to hear from people from all over the network and all parts of the community,” Mr Horgan says. “Business owners, farmers, iwi, not-for-profit, socially minded individuals – anyone with a passion to learn and share is encouraged to apply.”
