Community Ownership

Power shaped by the community

A Local Ownership Vision

Community ownership means the benefits of renewable energy strengthen local wellbeing rather than flowing outward.
WE Share is developing a community-first ownership pathway so residents, businesses, schools, and community facilities can participate together in shared solar, battery, and resilience infrastructure.

This work is still in development. WE Share is exploring models — such as a community co-operative or similar community-owned entity — that can provide transparent participation, fair benefit flows, and long-term alignment with Aotearoa’s regulatory environment.

How It Could Work

1

Shared Community Assets

Members may collectively participate in community solar, battery, and smart-energy systems located across the island, with benefits circulating locally.

2

Community-Aligned Decisions

Decisions about participation, reinvestment, and benefit pathways would follow clear, values-based processes shaped by the community and supported by independent stewardship.

3

Community Returns

Any surplus value stays in the community — supporting resilience upgrades, accessible participation pathways, and local projects.

3

Trust and Transparency

Clear reporting, open communication, and transparent value flows ensure members can see how the system is performing and where benefits are going.

Why It Matters

Stronger Communities

Shared ownership builds connection, pride, and shared responsibility.

Fair Economics

Value created here contributes to local futures and stays in circulation locally.

Resilience for All

Locally guided systems can better support the community during disruptions.

Long-Term Sustainability

Reinvestment builds local capability over time.

National Alignment and Readiness

WE Share is developing its ownership pathway with care to ensure it can operate responsibly within Aotearoa’s regulatory environment. As part of this work, WE Share has submitted an application to the Electricity Authority’s Power Innovation Programme. The application is currently under consideration.

While awaiting the outcome, WE Share continues to progress its design work independently, drawing on technical and analytical expertise where needed. This includes support for understanding energy system behaviour, responsible data practices, and community-led governance structures.

The focus at this stage is on building a strong and responsible foundation so any future community-owned model can operate safely, transparently, and in a way that reflects local priorities.

Working With Our Partners

Current work focuses on building readiness through:

Modelling and real-world pilot insights

Meeting EA expectations around consumer protection and system integrity

Creating community-friendly participation options

Ensuring transparency, consent, and community-led direction

Ensuring the structure reflects local priorities and lived reality

All decisions prioritise community control, transparency, and long-term sustainability — helping lay the groundwork for what could become Aotearoa’s first community-owned power model.