Mainpower Appoints Community Relations Manager

Tuesday, 5 November 2007

Mainpower Appoints Community Relations Manager

North Canterbury lines company MainPower has appointed Julie Battersby to the newly created position of Community Relations Manager. MainPower Managing Director Allan Berge says the new position was created in recognition of MainPower’s increasing involvement in its community, its increasing focus on energy efficiency and conservation, as well as on developing renewable generation options for North Canterbury and other related initiatives.

“MainPower owns and operates the electricity distribution network and provides line services to more than 30,000 customers throughout the North Canterbury and Kaikoura regions.”

“MainPower is owned by its customers and the North Canterbury/Kaikoura community and therefore it’s important that we provide a leadership role and take an active interest in the community in which we operate. Julie’s role as Community Relations Manager will lift our presence in the community and provide real benefits for community members.”

“During recent years MainPower’s Community Dividend has in the main taken the form of a customer rebate credited to customer’s power accounts on a monthly basis. $34 million of rebates has been credited to customers by MainPower during the past five years and as a result customers have enjoyed very near the lowest line service charges in the country. The Board is committed to maintaining its rebate scheme and keeping rebates at their current level.”

“Surpluses not required to fund the rebate scheme will in future be used to expand our interests in the wider community in particular in the areas of energy efficiency and energy conservation. Education related to the efficient use of energy will also be given far greater attention.”

“The Board of MainPower will continue to support initiatives that promote economic growth in the region. Likewise MainPower, consistent with its Good Corporate Citizen status, will continue with its sponsorship programme which currently targets the region’s youth through various academic, sporting and environmental scholarships and awards.”

Julie Battersby joins MainPower after spending 15 years in the areas of promotions and marketing at the Christchurch City Council. Julie was responsible for the management of civic and international relations. Her skills are in the areas of promotion, community education and the development of strategic relationships.

ENDS

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