THE LOCAL
DIFFERENCE
THE MOMENT FOR SOLAR & BATTERIES
The price of solar and batteries has dropped dramatically in recent years, while the price of power has climbed – in most of the western world it has at least doubled. That has created a genuine opportunity, and Local is built to help everyone share in it.
CHEAPER FOR YOU, BETTER FOR NEW ZEALAND
We create cheaper, greener power and decentralise where it's generated. Our power is more affordable– often more than 5% off your current bill – and because we spread generation across local buildings, we take stress off the national grid, helping all New Zealanders. It can sound too good to be true, but it isn't.
FINDING THE MIDDLE PLACE
Until now, going renewable meant one of two things. You could put solar and batteries on your own home, which takes a big upfront spend and only works if you own the place. Or large solar and battery farms could be built, which strain the grid we all pay for and do little to slow rising power prices.Local found the middle path. We put solar and batteries on large local buildings and smartly blend that with grid power, creating enough well-priced spare power to supply nearby homes too.
Great economics
For roof owners and for the households that join
Easy to join
Also you can leave any time you like
Real community benefit
Both immediately and over the long term
Open to everyone
You don't need to own a roof to take part
BUILT FOR WHAT'S NEXT
Local isn't just built for today. The same LocalSmart software that runs our community power is already built and tested for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) – where a plugged-in electric car can store cheap power and sell it back for a profit. V2G is still emerging in New Zealand, with a national trial only now underway, but the moment it opens up, Local and its customers will be ready to switch it on – turning EVs into another way to earn from clean energy.
TWO WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
However you want to take part, there's a way in – buy your power from Local, or make your own.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND LOCAL
We're changing energy by empowering local communities and focusing on the environment – making power generation, storage and sharing better through community microgrids. Our team is united by one mission: more affordable, reliable and greener power for New Zealanders, and advancing the global shift to sustainable energy.
TONY WALDEN
CEO & Co-founder
Tony has a background in business, property and investment, spanning retail, commercial development and technology ventures. He has co-founded and led companies across industries including apparel, gaming and sustainable energy, and as CEO now leads Local's strategy and growth.
ROB WILLCOX
CTO & Co-founder
Rob is a technology entrepreneur with 20+ years in smart technology, energy automation and data-driven solutions. He has founded and led companies across smart home, aged care and energy management, and at Local focuses on energy storage and the economics of distributed energy.
RICHIE GRZYB
Business Development & Co-founder
Richie has a background in e-commerce, fitness and technology, with experience in business operations and digital innovation. He has founded and grown companies in the supplement and training industries, and led development of a dedicated fitness app. At Local, he drives business development.
JAY YAN
Co-founder
Jay is an experienced investment and management professional with expertise in cross-border business operations, strategic investments and project management. He has worked in large-scale corporate environments, drawing on global capital networks and deep connections in China's new-energy sector.
DR. CLARENCE TAN
AI Expert
Clarence is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor and business advisor with over 25 years in technology and AI. He has co-founded and led multiple ventures, driving growth, innovation and successful exits, and brings deep expertise in AI strategy and optimisation to Local's smart-energy platform.
ROB ROGERS
Chief Innovation Officer
Rob has extensive C-level and board experience in global software. He began as an investment banker at HSBC London, became CFO of Soft Tech Group, then co-founded ventures including Centrality.ai. As CEO of Supa Energy he ran power communities much like Local's, and holds a degree in quantum physics.
MIKE ETTE
Head of Strategic Accounts
Mike is an experienced sales executive who has worked with New Zealand's largest corporations, government departments and tertiary institutions. He spent ten years as a director of Total Utilities Management Group, a leading NZ energy-procurement firm specialising in managed services and major customer sales.