University of Otago energy management student Rafferty Parker has won a scholarship from the Energy Education Trust to put towards his work. He said he was focusing on smart control for energy storage to reduce congestion on the energy grid.
While he was looking at hot water cylinders at the moment, his project could hopefully be extended to other forms of technology.
"It could be applied to electric cars, anything with energy storage capability."
The trust's efforts are aimed at the advancement of tertiary education and research in disciplines relevant to New Zealand's present and emerging energy needs, and every year scholarships worth $5000 each are given out to students.
It was "really great" to receive the grant, he said.
"I didn't let myself get my hopes up but it was a very nice surprise."
He now had about six weeks to hand his projects in, he said.
Mr Parker, who was completing a postgraduate diploma in energy management, had already done work in the energy conservation sector, undertaking home assessments with the Blueskin Community Trust.
He thought that had helped him when it came to applying for the grant.
"I've always had a bit of a passion. I think the trustees liked that I'd done voluntary work in the past around that," he said.
A tip for saving energy in the winter months was to leave windows open on a sunny day, and try to ventilate your house as much as possible.
When houses got damp, some heat was always wasted because it went towards evaporating moisture.
The scholarships are awarded annually to 15 students across the country.
It encourages university study with an emphasis on energy within the fields of economics, engineering, science, energy management and related fields.