Driving and charging between Auckland and Waikato just became a lot easier.
Counties Power and WEL Networks have today announced an industry-leading initiative to each offer OpenLoop, an open charging platform and app that enables a seamless recharging experience across various charging locations.
The neighbouring electricity distributors will each offer OpenLoop across their regions with an initial 40 chargers in Southern Auckland and Waikato. While both companies are leading the way with the adoption of this new technology, it is also available to all other network companies and drivers.
The network providers’ aim is to improve energy affordability, ease of use and environmental sustainability through the offering of a creative and innovative new service. The initiative is a strong example of the network sector promoting the environment and providing leading edge technology to prepare distribution networks for electric transport through smarter energy management.
Counties Power Chief Executive Judy Nicholl says the initiative demonstrates how electricity distribution companies can pave the way for the electricity industry and ultimately unlocks greater benefits for consumers.
Counties Power Chief Executive Judy Nicholl says “We’re excited that along with WEL Networks, we can offer a seamless, customer-centric charging service for our regions that will benefit drivers and charger owners. This benefits EDBs and customers and is a strong demonstration of our commitment as EDBs to work for the best outcome for our consumers. With this approach, we’re able to offer users a simpler, better way to incorporate charging into their lives, promote greater uptake of s responsibly and develop standards for smarter electricity distribution and flexible energy management – benefiting end-consumers, the environment and New Zealand at large.
OpenLoop offers users a choice in the market, something we know is a positive for the customer from a service and price perspective. Great service and innovative pricing models will ensure a fair and transparent charging process that encourages greater use of s going forward. With plans to add more chargers, the OpenLoop platform will allow an open, cost effective billing system for other EDBs and charger owners who would like to generate greater value through the growing ecosystem.”
WEL Networks Chief Executive Garth Dibley says the initiative provides them with the ability to offer the region a superior service.
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Why was my credit card charged $50 at the start of a charging session?
With pay-as-you-go, we will put a hold on your credit card of $50 at the start of any charging session. If your charging session cost $30, we release the difference of $20 at the end of your session.
During this time, your bank account may show that there is a $50 pending transaction. When your bank processes the release of the funds back to your bank account, you will see a finalised transaction in your account for $30. Typically, this process can take from 1-3 business days, but up to 10 days, depending on your bank.
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Why can’t I top up my balance on the Openloop app?
Openloop has a pay-as-you go payment system which allows our customers to charge their EVs using a saved credit card on their account without needing a minimum balance on their app.
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How do I save my credit card details on my Openloop account?
When you are in the mobile app, go to “Account” using the bottom nav bar, press “payment” and add your credit card to save it there.
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What happens if I still have some money on my top up balance?
Existing balances will be utilised first before credit card charges are applied. For example, if a customer currently has $5 on their account balance and their charging session cost $15, then their credit card will be charged the $10 difference and their account balance will be reduced to $0.
Alternatively, if your top up balance more than covers the cost of your total charge, this will be used first and your credit card charged only in future transactions.
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How do I get the Pay-as-you-go payment function on my Openloop app?
To access Pay-as-you-go for public chargers on the OpenLoop charging network, please update your mobile app by visiting the Apple App Store or Goggle Play Store.
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Is there any change to the EV charging process for free or paid chargers?
No, there is no change to the existing steps that you take to start a charging session. The only change is that you no longer have to top-up.
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What is a “free” EV charging station?
On the mobile app, you may come across EV Chargers that have a tariff listed as “FREE” these EV Chargers are free to use.
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Why does the app look different?
We have updated our logo and visual identity to better reflect what OpenLoop represents – a forward thinking and innovative technology company. The new look app also reflects customer feedback to improve the experience of using our mobile app.
WEL Networks Chief Executive Garth Dibley says “As a consumer-owned EDB, OpenLoop presents an opportunity to deliver charging cost effectively to users, while also creating sustainability outcomes which benefit our community. Here at WEL Networks we have a large portfolio of chargers and the OpenLoop platform is a tech-savvy cloud-based solution for managing them, but more importantly, it’s extremely user-friendly for the customer. This is a smart and simple solution that ticks all the boxes for fast, hassle-free and cost-effective charging. We look forward to piloting the platform across the WEL network with more than 700 owners”.
While the initial OpenLoop launch is across the Counties Power and WEL Networks regions, discussions are underway with network companies around the country who will launch their own customer-centric charging service via OpenLoop within their regions.
OpenLoop app users will have a live view of available charging stations nearby, be able to pay for charger use and keep track of charging history via the app. There’s no need to even touch the charger aside from plugging it in to your vehicle – the app does it all for you.
OpenLoop is a service developed by Wellington-based firm, ECL Group. The app service on WEL Networks and Counties Power chargers will commence on 17th June.
The free OpenLoop app is available via app stores.
