Taranaki marae power bills rise 400 per cent after solar installation

Wednesday 14 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 14 Oct, 7:44pm

Ōwae Marae in Waitara is warning others about solar energy conversions after electricity bills rose from $400 to $2,000 monthly. Manukorihi Pā Trust secretary Roina Graham stated that poor advice and industry assumptions led to an over-engineered and expensive installation on the new wharekai.

How they headlined it

First reported by The Post, Wed 14 Oct, 12:09pm · 3 reports from 3 outlets over 8 hours

The PostWed 14 Oct, 12:09pm

Taranaki marae sees 400% power bill rise after solar install (opens in new tab)
Also on NZ Herald (opens in new tab)
1NewsWed 14 Oct, 2:29pm

Taranaki marae power bill blows out by 400% with solar install (opens in new tab)
Otago Daily TimesWed 14 Oct, 7:44pm

400% power bill rise after solar install (opens in new tab)