Chatham Islands to harness wind to cut power bills

Chatham Islands residents are hoping harnessing the wind which blasts across the remote region may put a stop to soaring power bills.

Australian-based CBD Energy yesterday announced it had won the tender to build two wind turbines and manage the electricity grid for the islands.

About 700 residents of the islands, 800km east of Christchurch, face power bills as much as 10 times higher than for mainland New Zealanders.

CBD Energy chief executive Gerry McGowan said the two 200-kilowatt turbines, to be erected on the Chathams' main island, would be built by the end of next year.

The Chatham Islands hoped to become reliant on renewable energy.

- NZPA