Toast Electric, the first not-for-profit energy company in Wellington is launched by the Sustainability Trust to provide fair access to energy. The energy company is now operating in Horowhenua and Wairarapa. Currently, the provider’s Energy Wellbeing programme has reached 1,100 households and more than 250 families.
New Zealand Faces Growing Need for Warm and Affordable Homes
The demand for affordable power solutions is growing, with energy hardship affecting over 360,000 households. “These are not edge cases, they are the reality for hundreds of thousands of families,” says Phil Squire, Head of Toast Electric. “Many are renting in poor-quality housing stock that remains difficult or outright unaffordable to heat.”
Toast Electric Redefines Energy Support with a Community Model
Toast Electric, established in 2022, has centred its operations around a single aim: “to eliminate energy hardship by reimagining how power is delivered.” The organisation applies a pay-it-forward system that sees one household in need supported for every four paying customers.
The Energy Wellbeing programme offers more than just affordable electricity. Families receive a 30% discount during winter, help with reconnection after disconnection, and tailored in-home advice from trained energy assessors. “It’s not just a bill reduction—it’s a full-circle model that focuses on what truly makes a home healthy and liveable,” Squire explains.
Households are referred to Toast through partnerships with financial mentors and social agencies. The partners ensure that customers are not only struggling with power bills but are ready to benefit from wrap-around energy and financial support.
Housing System Continues to Fail Renters
Many rental properties remain cold and unhealthy despite compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards. Squire, a national expert in healthy housing, warns that self-certification and loopholes are undermining the standards’ intent.
“Too many New Zealanders are being failed by a system that confuses compliance with care,” says Squire. “Compliance doesn’t guarantee wellbeing and it’s time we stopped pretending it does.”
“The current system allows landlords to self-certify compliance and take advantage of multiple exemptions, meaning many rental homes may appear up to standard on paper but remain cold, damp and unhealthy in practice.” He adds.
Toast Electric Calls for a Home Energy Warrant of Fitness
Toast is advocating for the introduction of a national Home Energy Warrant of Fitness (WOF), following models already used in the UK and Europe. It would require independent assessors to verify whether homes are truly warm, safe, and energy-efficient.
“We wouldn’t let someone certify their own car as roadworthy… so why are we doing that with the places people sleep, raise their children and try to stay healthy?” asks Squire.
Energy Wellbeing Programme Transforms Lives
The impact of Toast’s work is tangible. One Wellington man, who had lived without electricity for two years, was reconnected and could “now take a hot shower without using a torch.” Others describe the relief of heating their homes without fear of unaffordable bills.
Research from the University of Otago supports these experiences. “Reducing bill stress leads to better mental health, more stable family dynamics and improved physical wellbeing,” says Dr Kimberley O’Sullivan. “Toast Electric’s not-for-profit model is working within the market framework to deliver essential electricity and improve wellbeing.”
Toast Electric aims to double its customer base over the next year and deepen its partnerships in underserved regions. “Energy should be a right, not a luxury… until we make that true for every family in Aotearoa, we’re not done,” Squire stated.