Latest news with #Building
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Canada's construction industry gets serious about investing in technology as pressure mounts to do more with less
Nine in 10 construction leaders say digital tools are needed to boost productivity to build more, faster, finds new KPMG in Canada report TORONTO, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ - In the face of growing pressure to build more, faster, nine in 10 Canadian construction leaders agree that the industry must move quickly to embrace new and advanced technologies, with most saying digital tools are already starting to boost their productivity, finds a new KPMG in Canada report on digital maturity in the construction industry. "It is good to see that the sector is investing in the technologies that are desperately needed to address persistently poor productivity levels," says Tom Rothfischer, Partner and National Industry Leader, Building, Construction and Real Estate, KPMG in Canada. "These investments are about to pay dividends and transform how we build in Canada. But the current economic and trade environment is squeezing bottom lines, putting at risk much-needed continued spending on tech – technology that is essential if we are to address the chronic housing supply shortage in this country and transform our economy through an ambitious era of nation-building mega-projects." Clients – those who commission and fund construction projects -- can play a key role in influencing the industry to modernize, the report says. Nearly eight in 10 (78 per cent) say procurement processes are changing to encourage innovation and digital adoption, and 43 per cent indicated that their clients play a "highly influential" role in their decision to adopt technologies. "It's encouraging to see signs that procurement is beginning to evolve, but we're not there yet," says Rodrigue Gilbert, President of the Canadian Construction Association. "Too often, the system prioritizes lowest price over long-term value, which prohibits investment in innovation. If we want a modern, productive construction sector, governments must reform procurement to foster collaboration, ensure fair risk-sharing, and create the confidence companies need to invest and grow." The level of tech investment will need to ramp up given that the industry's labour crunch is expected to worsen as the workforce ages and retirements increase in the next decade, the report points out. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of construction leaders expect that it will become "increasingly difficult" to meet demand over the next five-to-10 years, particularly as retirements outpace recruitment. "The pressure is intensifying on the construction industry to do far more with less," says Jordan Thomson, Director, Global Infrastructure Advisory, KPMG in Canada. "The industry is well aware of their labour conundrum, with eight in 10 companies still experiencing a shortage in skilled labour that's affecting their ability to take on new work and complete current jobs. While it's improved slightly from two years ago, it's still incredibly high. "The industry is also counting on the removal of interprovincial trade barriers," he adds. "The challenges of working under 14 different sets of provincial rules and regulations is a further and unneeded drag on productivity that needs to be addressed if we expect the industry to be able to handle the growing volume of projects in the pipeline." The report finds that the industry is focused on deploying a wide range of technologies to improve productivity and expedite project completion, with 81 per cent of construction companies saying their recent investments in technology are already making a difference. Some of these technologies include advancements in modular or prefabrication construction that streamline processes, reduce waste, and accelerate timelines by constructing buildings in a controlled factory environment and then transporting them to the construction site for assembly; robotics and automation, such as robotic bricklaying that improves productivity and safety, or drones for site surveys; and, building information modelling (BIM), which improves planning and collaboration among stakeholders by providing a comprehensive digital view of the project from the architectural design to the materials, systems and infrastructure that will be needed. Investing in technologies to create a demand-driven supply chain that aligns supply with actual demand was ranked the top priority by more than half (56 per cent) of respondents surveyed, the report finds. "The industry has always faced supply chain challenges, whether it's the cost or availability of materials," says Mr. Thomson. "But that's recently been exacerbated by, among other things, U.S. tariffs, ongoing ripple effects from the pandemic, and other global macroeconomic events, prompting many companies to invest in supply chain innovation that uses digital tools, data analytics and automation that drive real-time visibility into projects and material requirements." The report shows that industry players are prioritizing a number of new technologies in parallel, spanning from 56 per cent exploring demand-driven supply chain innovation to 40 per cent exploring robotics, drones, exoskeletons. More than half (53 per cent) are prioritizing prefabrication as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-driven software. Engineering firms and suppliers are focused on deploying intelligent automation, institutional owners are investing in AI, and contractors are prioritizing cybersecurity technologies. "We're seeing much more interest in tech adoption compared to where we were even two years ago. However, the sector still has a long way to go to move the needle on productivity," says Mr. Thomson. "Making a commitment to invest in technology is the first step. Delivering returns requires careful integration and only works if you also invest in up-skilling your people to use it effectively." Key Survey Findings: 87 per cent of 265 Canadian construction leaders agree the industry will need to implement new and advanced technologies to meet the demand for housing 90 per cent agree that better tools, such as AI, analytics, BIM and digital twins, can boost efficiency and labour effectiveness, up from 86 per cent in 2023 78 per cent say procurement processes are changing to encourage innovation and digital adoption 43 per cent say their clients are "highly influential" in their decision to adopt technology to meet project or contractual requirements 73 per cent expect it will become "increasingly difficult" to meet demand over the next five-to-10 years, particularly as retirements outpace recruitment 78 per cent are currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, compared to 90 per cent in 2023 70 per cent say the labour crunch is impacting their ability to bid on new projects and/or meet project deadlines, compared to 86 per cent in 2023 84 per cent want to see interprovincial trade barriers eliminated as quickly as possible 81 per cent say labour productivity and efficiency has improved as a result of their company's recent investments in technology 56 per cent are prioritizing technologies underpinning a demand-driven supply chain 53 per cent are making prefabrication and modularization a top or high priority in their business and another 27 per cent have it as mid-level priority 53 per cent are also prioritizing AI and AI-driven software "The construction sector is the foundation of Canada's nation-building ambitions. From housing to trade-enabling infrastructure to clean energy, nothing gets built without us," said Mr. Gilbert. "It's time for coordinated action. The government must modernize procurement, cut red tape, and provide the clear, consistent policy direction our sector needs to deliver. The time to act—together—is now." Read the full report here. About the SurveyIn its third biennial survey, KPMG in Canada surveyed 265 construction companies across Canada from March 18 through April 4, 2025, in collaboration with the Canadian Construction Association to measure the sector's digital maturity. The survey was conducted among KPMG clients and Sago's construction industry business panel respondents on the polling agency's online Methodify platform. The survey included general contractors (63 per cent), engineering firms (15 per cent), subcontractors (12 per cent), suppliers (8 per cent), and institutional owners (3 per cent). About KPMG in CanadaKPMG LLP, a limited liability partnership, is a full-service Audit, Tax and Advisory firm owned and operated by Canadians. For over 150 years, our professionals have provided consulting, accounting, auditing, and tax services to Canadians, inspiring confidence, empowering change, and driving innovation. Guided by our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better, KPMG employs more than 10,000 people in over 40 locations across Canada, serving private- and public-sector clients. KPMG is consistently ranked one of Canada's top employers and one of the best places to work in the country. The firm is established under the laws of Ontario and is a member of KPMG's global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a private English company limited by guarantee. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. For more information, see About the Canadian Construction AssociationCCA represents more than 18,000 member firms drawn from 57 local and provincial integrated partner associations across Canada. CCA gives voice to the public policy, legal and standards development goals of contractors, suppliers and allied business professionals working in, or with, Canada's institutional, commercial, industrial, civil and multi-residential construction industry. The construction sector is one of Canada's largest employers and a major contributor to the country's economic success. The industry, 99.6 per cent of which is made up of small and medium enterprises, employs more than 1.6 million Canadians and contributes 7.5 per cent of Canada's Gross Domestic Product. For media inquiries: Caroline Van HasseltNational Communications and Media RelationsKPMG in Canada(416) 777-3288cvanhasselt@ Anthony ValentiManager, Media Relations Canadian Construction Association(613) 608-2716 avalenti@ SOURCE KPMG LLP View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada's construction industry gets serious about investing in technology as pressure mounts to do more with less Français
Nine in 10 construction leaders say digital tools are needed to boost productivity to build more, faster, finds new KPMG in Canada report TORONTO, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ - In the face of growing pressure to build more, faster, nine in 10 Canadian construction leaders agree that the industry must move quickly to embrace new and advanced technologies, with most saying digital tools are already starting to boost their productivity, finds a new KPMG in Canada report on digital maturity in the construction industry. "It is good to see that the sector is investing in the technologies that are desperately needed to address persistently poor productivity levels," says Tom Rothfischer, Partner and National Industry Leader, Building, Construction and Real Estate, KPMG in Canada. "These investments are about to pay dividends and transform how we build in Canada. But the current economic and trade environment is squeezing bottom lines, putting at risk much-needed continued spending on tech – technology that is essential if we are to address the chronic housing supply shortage in this country and transform our economy through an ambitious era of nation-building mega-projects." Clients – those who commission and fund construction projects -- can play a key role in influencing the industry to modernize, the report says. Nearly eight in 10 (78 per cent) say procurement processes are changing to encourage innovation and digital adoption, and 43 per cent indicated that their clients play a "highly influential" role in their decision to adopt technologies. "It's encouraging to see signs that procurement is beginning to evolve, but we're not there yet," says Rodrigue Gilbert, President of the Canadian Construction Association. "Too often, the system prioritizes lowest price over long-term value, which prohibits investment in innovation. If we want a modern, productive construction sector, governments must reform procurement to foster collaboration, ensure fair risk-sharing, and create the confidence companies need to invest and grow." The level of tech investment will need to ramp up given that the industry's labour crunch is expected to worsen as the workforce ages and retirements increase in the next decade, the report points out. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of construction leaders expect that it will become "increasingly difficult" to meet demand over the next five-to-10 years, particularly as retirements outpace recruitment. "The pressure is intensifying on the construction industry to do far more with less," says Jordan Thomson, Director, Global Infrastructure Advisory, KPMG in Canada. "The industry is well aware of their labour conundrum, with eight in 10 companies still experiencing a shortage in skilled labour that's affecting their ability to take on new work and complete current jobs. While it's improved slightly from two years ago, it's still incredibly high. "The industry is also counting on the removal of interprovincial trade barriers," he adds. "The challenges of working under 14 different sets of provincial rules and regulations is a further and unneeded drag on productivity that needs to be addressed if we expect the industry to be able to handle the growing volume of projects in the pipeline." The report finds that the industry is focused on deploying a wide range of technologies to improve productivity and expedite project completion, with 81 per cent of construction companies saying their recent investments in technology are already making a difference. Some of these technologies include advancements in modular or prefabrication construction that streamline processes, reduce waste, and accelerate timelines by constructing buildings in a controlled factory environment and then transporting them to the construction site for assembly; robotics and automation, such as robotic bricklaying that improves productivity and safety, or drones for site surveys; and, building information modelling (BIM), which improves planning and collaboration among stakeholders by providing a comprehensive digital view of the project from the architectural design to the materials, systems and infrastructure that will be needed. Investing in technologies to create a demand-driven supply chain that aligns supply with actual demand was ranked the top priority by more than half (56 per cent) of respondents surveyed, the report finds. "The industry has always faced supply chain challenges, whether it's the cost or availability of materials," says Mr. Thomson. "But that's recently been exacerbated by, among other things, U.S. tariffs, ongoing ripple effects from the pandemic, and other global macroeconomic events, prompting many companies to invest in supply chain innovation that uses digital tools, data analytics and automation that drive real-time visibility into projects and material requirements." The report shows that industry players are prioritizing a number of new technologies in parallel, spanning from 56 per cent exploring demand-driven supply chain innovation to 40 per cent exploring robotics, drones, exoskeletons. More than half (53 per cent) are prioritizing prefabrication as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-driven software. Engineering firms and suppliers are focused on deploying intelligent automation, institutional owners are investing in AI, and contractors are prioritizing cybersecurity technologies. "We're seeing much more interest in tech adoption compared to where we were even two years ago. However, the sector still has a long way to go to move the needle on productivity," says Mr. Thomson. "Making a commitment to invest in technology is the first step. Delivering returns requires careful integration and only works if you also invest in up-skilling your people to use it effectively." Key Survey Findings: 87 per cent of 265 Canadian construction leaders agree the industry will need to implement new and advanced technologies to meet the demand for housing 90 per cent agree that better tools, such as AI, analytics, BIM and digital twins, can boost efficiency and labour effectiveness, up from 86 per cent in 2023 78 per cent say procurement processes are changing to encourage innovation and digital adoption 43 per cent say their clients are "highly influential" in their decision to adopt technology to meet project or contractual requirements 73 per cent expect it will become "increasingly difficult" to meet demand over the next five-to-10 years, particularly as retirements outpace recruitment 78 per cent are currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, compared to 90 per cent in 2023 70 per cent say the labour crunch is impacting their ability to bid on new projects and/or meet project deadlines, compared to 86 per cent in 2023 84 per cent want to see interprovincial trade barriers eliminated as quickly as possible 81 per cent say labour productivity and efficiency has improved as a result of their company's recent investments in technology 56 per cent are prioritizing technologies underpinning a demand-driven supply chain 53 per cent are making prefabrication and modularization a top or high priority in their business and another 27 per cent have it as mid-level priority 53 per cent are also prioritizing AI and AI-driven software "The construction sector is the foundation of Canada's nation-building ambitions. From housing to trade-enabling infrastructure to clean energy, nothing gets built without us," said Mr. Gilbert. "It's time for coordinated action. The government must modernize procurement, cut red tape, and provide the clear, consistent policy direction our sector needs to deliver. The time to act—together—is now." Read the full report here. About the Survey In its third biennial survey, KPMG in Canada surveyed 265 construction companies across Canada from March 18 through April 4, 2025, in collaboration with the Canadian Construction Association to measure the sector's digital maturity. The survey was conducted among KPMG clients and Sago's construction industry business panel respondents on the polling agency's online Methodify platform. The survey included general contractors (63 per cent), engineering firms (15 per cent), subcontractors (12 per cent), suppliers (8 per cent), and institutional owners (3 per cent). About KPMG in Canada KPMG LLP, a limited liability partnership, is a full-service Audit, Tax and Advisory firm owned and operated by Canadians. For over 150 years, our professionals have provided consulting, accounting, auditing, and tax services to Canadians, inspiring confidence, empowering change, and driving innovation. Guided by our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better, KPMG employs more than 10,000 people in over 40 locations across Canada, serving private- and public-sector clients. KPMG is consistently ranked one of Canada's top employers and one of the best places to work in the country. The firm is established under the laws of Ontario and is a member of KPMG's global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a private English company limited by guarantee. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. For more information, see About the Canadian Construction Association CCA represents more than 18,000 member firms drawn from 57 local and provincial integrated partner associations across Canada. CCA gives voice to the public policy, legal and standards development goals of contractors, suppliers and allied business professionals working in, or with, Canada's institutional, commercial, industrial, civil and multi-residential construction industry. The construction sector is one of Canada's largest employers and a major contributor to the country's economic success. The industry, 99.6 per cent of which is made up of small and medium enterprises, employs more than 1.6 million Canadians and contributes 7.5 per cent of Canada's Gross Domestic Product. For media inquiries: Caroline Van Hasselt National Communications and Media Relations KPMG in Canada (416) 777-3288 [email protected] Anthony Valenti Manager, Media Relations Canadian Construction Association (613) 608-2716 [email protected] SOURCE KPMG LLP
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Migration experts call for focus on OFWs in Gulf region
A migration specialist has challenged the Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. Administration to come up with in-depth scholarly research studies regarding the evolution of Filipino contract workers in the Gulf. Froilan Malit Jr. was among four panelists at the 'Bridging Generations, Building Futures: A Forum on Philippine Migration and Diaspora Policy,' which the Philippine Consulate General-Dubai hosted in conjunction with the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebrations on June 12. The forum was attended by a mix of Filipino and half-Filipino third culture university students from around the country, a big number of whom were born-and-raised in the UAE. It was to help them understand their history and future in the Gulf. The keynote speakers were Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver ('Overview of Filipino Migration to the UAE'), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Office of Migrant Affairs Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer Jr. ('Philippine Migration Policy'), and Migrant Workers Office-Dubai head Labour Attache in Dubai and the Northern Emirates John Rio Bautista ('Government Protection Mechanisms for Overseas Filipino Workers.') Malit discussed 'Filipino Diaspora Contributions in the Gulf Region.' Former Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See and UAE Grace Relucio-Princesa, Abrahamic Family House-Research and Publication head Dr. William Gueraiche, and founder/Chief Technology officer Akram Assaf gave their observations and insights respectively on 'Filipino Women and Their Historical Significance in the Diaspora,' 'Migration Politics in the UAE-Philippine Corridor,' and 'Labour Market Trends in the Gulf: Implications for Migrant Workers.' Malit comes from a clan of OFWs. So, his intense interest in labour migration. Within 15 years, he had transitioned from a Middle East migration researcher to policy consultant for regional and international bodies such as the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, International Labour Organisation, International Organisation on Migration, and the World Bank. Malit told Gulf Today: 'The Gulf is one of the most exceptional regional hosts for temporary migrants. The migration has increasingly grown over the last two decades. However, there has been less research specifically addressing Philippine migration and diaspora, particularly regarding the evolving challenges faced by second and third generations who have lived and worked in the Gulf and intend to make it their 'second' home in the long term.' At the forum, Ver, the Philippines' top diplomat in Bahrain 10 years back and former DFA-Office of the Middle East and African Affairs Assistant Secretary, narrated how migration and labour strategies and policies shift. He expressed support to the 'compendium on the Filipino narratives in the Gulf' project. Gueraiche, also a University of Wollongong-Dubai associate professor, interested in Geopolitics of Asia and the Middle East, Peace & Conflict Studies, Political History & Colonisation, supported Malit's claim. Gueraiche, grateful to the One Philippines Team invitation, said: 'We need you and the other institutions to go deeper in our research. I study different layers of migration. Filipinos have been elsewhere. The next Philippine leader may come from the UAE. Filipinos have helped shape the history, progress and development of other nations. But, they have been invisible other than in the social media. We must elaborate and work deeper on research.' Malit cited that even as migration policies particularly on the protection and welfare of OFWs worldwide, are agreed upon bilaterally, only 'migrant victimisation narratives' abound. To illustrate, domestic workers, many of whom are at least bachelor degree holders, have helped nations 'achieve gender equality.' Malit referred to what DFA Assistant Secretary Ferrer had pointed out: 'The presence of Filipino migrant labour has demonstrably raised the gross domestic product (GDP) of migrant and labour-receiving countries. For example in Rome, Italy. There, because of Filipino nannies, locals and expatriates are able to secure a full-time paying job of up to 5,000 Euros a month. If they do not have a Filipino nanny, they would remain to be a single-income family. There is a World Bank study that demonstrates that the presence of Filipino workers increases the GDP per capita by a measurable amount.' 'There is a critical need to develop stronger research collaboration between sending and Gulf countries to better understand migration policy issues and best practices that can be practically adopted on the ground,' Malit said, adding that this was recommended in the past with 'few results.'
Scoop
5 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Crown Manager Appointed To Drive Delivery Of New Dunedin Hospital
Hon Simeon Brown Minister of Health Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced the appointment of a Crown manager to oversee the delivery of the New Dunedin Hospital Inpatient Building, reinforcing the Government's commitment to ensuring the project is delivered successfully. 'In late January, I confirmed the Government's commitment to building the New Dunedin Hospital on the former Cadbury site – providing certainty to the people of Dunedin and the wider Otago and Southland regions,' Mr Brown says. 'As part of that commitment, we are putting strong leadership in place to drive the next stage of this project. I'm pleased to announce the appointment of Evan Davies as Crown manager for the inpatient building project.' Mr Davies will lead the delivery of the inpatient facility, including confirming the procurement approach and finalising the construction contract. He will work closely with Health New Zealand to ensure alignment with the broader New Dunedin Hospital programme. It will also enable Health New Zealand to focus on the many other infrastructure work programmes currently underway. 'Mr Davies brings over 30 years of senior leadership experience and a proven track record in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in the health sector. 'His appointment reflects the importance of this project to the Government. I'm confident he will bring the capability, oversight, and momentum needed to see it through. 'This Government has committed a record $1.88 billion to the New Dunedin Hospital, making it the largest health infrastructure investment in New Zealand's history. 'That level of investment reflects our commitment to providing a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital that meets the needs of future generations. 'This step will help ensure the project remains on track, and that we deliver a world-class facility providing timely, high-quality care in Dunedin,' Mr Brown says. Note: Health New Zealand supports the appointment of a Crown manager to oversee delivery of the New Dunedin Hospital Inpatient Building. Contract negotiations have continued to progress alongside the appointment process. Pile capping is set to begin in the coming weeks, with excavators already on site and preparations well underway. The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the substructure works closes this Thursday, with construction scheduled to commence later this year. Evan Davies Evan Davies has multi-sector knowledge and has held a diverse range of senior leadership roles and over the last 30 years. He is the former Managing Director of Todd Property, and the current Chief Executive Officer of Todd Capital. In these roles he has overseen major development proposals from land acquisition, plan changes, consenting, design, earthworks, and construction. Mr Davies was the Chair of the of the Christchurch Hospital Redevelopment Partnership Group, (2012 – 2022). Evan also has exceptional industry knowledge, contact networks and leadership experience in the property development and construction sectors.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Supercharging Residential Solar Power Generation
Minister for Energy Hon Chris Penk Minister for Building and Construction The Government is expanding the permitted voltage range for electricity networks, so Kiwis with solar panels can send more power back to the grid. Changes are being made to clarify that a building consent is not needed to install rooftop solar panels on existing buildings. Councils will be required to process building consents for new homes with solar panels within 10 working days, down from the standard 20 working days. Common sense changes in the energy and building consent systems will drive greater residential solar uptake in New Zealand, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say. 'New Zealand's residential uptake of rooftop solar is lower than many other countries. This Government wants to change that so more Kiwis can generate, store, and send their own electricity back to the market. This will allow them to save on their power bills and contribute to a more secure electricity system,' Mr Watts says. 'Rooftop solar will play a crucial role in supporting energy security and reducing emissions. But our networks need to be able to better support the growing flow of electricity from consumers, while also dealing with growing demand for more electric vehicle charging. 'That's why we are expanding the voltage range from +/- 6 percent to +/- 10 percent to manage the changing flow of electricity from rooftop solar and EV charging. This will future proof our electricity system and help electrify the economy. 'Modelling suggests this change could boost solar investment and overall generation by a whopping 507 GWh through increased solar connections. This is great for the security of our energy supply.' Mr Penk says the building consent system can help accelerate the shift towards renewable energy. 'We need the right incentives in place to make rooftop solar a realistic option for Kiwis. 'The Government is focused on getting people into safe, affordable homes faster – and we want those homes to be sustainable and future-ready. 'With the energy system preparing for a surge in residential solar, the consenting process needs to play its part to support the transition. 'We are proposing changes to the Building Act, that will make it clear that a building consent is not needed to install rooftop solar panels on existing buildings. 'Right now, decision-making is inconsistent between councils – creating unnecessary barriers for homeowners who want to take responsibility for their environmental impact and make sustainable choices. "As a further incentive, we are also proposing that Kiwis who choose to include solar panels in the design of new homes will have their entire building consent fast-tracked and processed in 10 working days instead of the standard 20 working days, saving Kiwis around $400 a day in time and consenting costs.' 'Delivering the best outcomes for New Zealanders is incredibly important to Minister Penk and me. Expanding the voltage range could help avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure upgrade costs to accommodate rooftop solar and EV charging being passed on to Kiwi households,' Mr Watts says. 'Combined, these common-sense and cost-effective changes will boost the resilience of New Zealand's electricity supply, make it easier and cheaper for Kiwis to build sustainable homes, and spur New Zealand's residential solar market into the future.' Notes: New Zealand appliance standards have aligned with international +/-10% voltage requirements since the 1980s, meaning compliant appliances should already operate safely within the new voltage range. Consumers using older devices that don't meet New Zealand or international appliance standards may use a surge protector, but consistent high-end voltage delivery is unlikely. The expert modelling referred to in this release was prepared by grid connection specialists, ASNA.
