Call For Easter Power Savings - NZ Short Of Target

WINTER POWER TASKFORCE

15 April 2003
MEDIA RELEASE

Call For Easter Power Savings As NZ Falls Short Of Target

New Zealand is still well short of its target to reduce electricity consumption by five per cent, the Grid Security Committee’s Winter 2003 co-ordinator Patrick Strange said today.

Conservation has reduced national electricity demand by about two per cent since Dr Strange last week called for consumers to cut consumption by five per cent in anticipation of expected tight supplies of electricity throughout the winter.

“South Island demand increased last week with colder temperatures but this was offset by reduced demand in the North Island,” Dr Strange said.

Overall, national demand was in line with the same period last year. Average electricity demand had previously been running about four per cent ahead of last year.

“However, some of this reduced demand is the result of large commercial users deciding to defer or suspend production.

“We estimate that genuine conservation efforts are reducing demand by about two per cent.”

Dr Strange said the approaching Easter holiday break presented an opportunity for companies to reduce electricity demand significantly by turning off equipment and lighting while their businesses were closed.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority has advised businesses to:
- Switch off at the wall any non-essential equipment
- Ensure that any staff working over Easter only switch on equipment they need
- Ensure air-conditioning, heating and lighting is switched off for the entire break
- Bring forward maintenance on air-conditioning and heating systems so they run efficiently during winter

Dr Strange said Business New Zealand, the Council of Trade Unions, Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Canterbury Chamber of Employers and the Major Electricity Users Group would be communicating with their members over coming weeks to help encourage further savings in the workplace.

“Similarly, those home owners who are going away for the Easter break can do a quick check of their houses, switching off all appliances at the wall.

“On return, you will need to reset clocks on these appliances but this is a small inconvenience which will have saved you money.”

Dr Strange said the electricity riskmeter remained in the amber zone, indicating a significant level of risk of a shortfall in winter electricity supply.

He said the five per cent target would remain for the immediate future but would need to be reviewed if inflows remained so low and savings were not achieved.

Hydro storage levels had decreased to 2005 GWh by yesterday – a drop of almost 140 GWh since last week and well below average levels.

Year to date inflows to South Island hydro lakes were 2880 GWh, only 74% of average. “Unfortunately, the South Island is enjoying a dry autumn and this trend is not forecast to change.”

Total electricity demand for the week ended yesterday (Monday April 14) was 674 GWh, compared with 675 GWh in the same period last year.

ENDS

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