More doubts raised over power supplies

Coal handling problems faced by the Port of Tauranga raise even more uncertainty over future power supplies, says National's Commerce spokesman, Tony Ryall.

"The Port has indicated it won't be able to handle the arrival of half a million tonnes of coal before winter, without a significant amount of new equipment and additional infrastructure. Genesis plans to import the coal from July.

"The Energy Minister's excuse that "there are significant issues yet to be sorted out" proves once again that the Government and its companies have failed to learn any lessons from the 2001 power crisis.

"Yesterday National asked where the comprehensive strategy for getting through this winter was, and it's clear there isn't any.

"Pete Hodgson has dithered for months now. He should have been preparing, as the Government's electricity companies should have been preparing," says Mr Ryall.

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