As President of the Electrical Development Association of New Zealand (EDANZ) from 1991 -1994, Mr Collinge was charged with guiding industry efforts in relation to the utilisation of electricity, education in the industry, and technology transfer to improve electricity use [page 40] –all with the overall objective of using electricity wisely and efficiently. The EDA also worked closely with the Government on various Government initiatives such as the development of industry standards, training and safety (in fittings, appliances and work practices pursuant to the Electricity Act 1992 and Regulations) [eg page 52].
The EDANZ was the only pan industry body in the NZ electricity industry and its members consisted of Electricorp, electricity distributors and also the private sector, thereby involving all levels -generators, supply authorities, contractors and customers -a shining example of industry co-operation in an otherwise fragmented sector. The President was elected by vote of its members [page 40] and Mr Collinge was voted to the position for three terms until his appointment as High Commissioner.
(a)Growth and User Pays:During this time the EDANZ grew significantly in its establishment and services. In 1993 for example there was a 40% increase in membership, a 62% increase in its trading activities and a significant increase in training and information services [page 52]. Further, Mr Collinge steered the Association from being subscription based, to one where a significant part (50%) of its activities were paid for on a user pays basis –reflecting value for money in the provision of its services -thereby applying commercial principles to the Association [page 52].
(b)Conservation:The context at the time was the electricity shortages of 1991-1992, due in part to low lake levels in hydro-catchment areas caused by unusually low inflows and an increase in demand. This resulted in the need for conservation while ensuring supply to essential services and as Mr Collinge said ‘the special needs of the elderly’ [page 41]. He said that there needed to be a switch from concentrating on efficiency ofsupply to ‘placing the emphasis on efficiency of consumption’ [pages 40, 44]. The response to the crisis was industry led (rather than by Government restriction) and this initiative achieved a 15-20% savings in consumption. In these efforts by industry members (including the AEPB) [page 42], the EDANZ was an engine room which provided substantial material, advice and tips in relation to energy savings –to the media, power companies and to industry for use. These efforts avoided, in Mr Collinge’s words, a ‘very near thing’ [page 40].
(c)Electricity Technology Centre Established: The EDANZ’s Electricity Technology Centre was established in Wellington. It was designed to promote research into the use of electricity and to provide advisory services, and includeda library, demonstration and display centre [page 52]. This Centre was complementary with the similar centre (the Electricity Utilisation Centre) previously established by Mr Collinge for the AEPB Board [page 17]. Whereas the Auckland Board’s Centre was aimed at providing practical and technical assistance to local electricity consumers, the EDANZ Centre was particularly aimed at research and technology generally -both promoting efficiency in electricity usage
(d)National Energy Co-ordination and Monitoring: In conjunction with the Utilisation and Technology Centres, Mr Collinge as President of the National Party was responsible for the inclusion in the 1990 National Party Manifesto of a pledge to ‘Ensure that the electricity industry and any changes to it are monitored by a new Energy Resources Monitoring and Conservation Authority’ [page 53]. In 1991, in a key note address to an industry conference he set out a comprehensive blueprint for a proposed Energy Monitoring Authority [pages 43-50] -‘Energy is too important for our economic and social wellbeing to be left to chance or to ad hoc development’ [page 49]. These initiatives ultimately led, in 1992, to the formation of EECA (The Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority) which took over the Electricity Utilisation and Technology roles on a national basis. As Mr Collinge said, in encouraging and advancing its establishment, this ‘co-ordinated strategy’ was a ‘sound foundation for a national energy policy’ [page 51]. ‘If we waste energy, such energy will not be available to power the processing of our natural resources’ [page 44 and see page 51].
In its new approach, enlarged services, increased membership and its fostering of efficiency of consumption the standing of the EDANZ increased significantly during this time. It came to be regarded by a leading member of the industry as a ‘relevant entity within the electricity industry and had gone from strength to strength’ [page 54]. As was said by another industry leader ‘We have greatly appreciated working with the EDANZ under your leadership amidst the great changes and reforms which have taken place in our industry over the last few years’ [page 55]. Upon his retirement, Mr Collinge’s ‘valuable contribution’ was also acknowledged by the EDANZ itself –‘Yours is a fine record of service to the electricity industry in New Zealand and one that rightly deserves recognition‘ [at page 56].