Electricity efficiency initiatives sought

Electricity efficiency initiatives sought by Commission

Expressions of interest to develop a $2.2 million pilot electricity efficiency programme are being sought by the Electricity Commission its Chair, Roy Hemmingway, announced today.

New Zealand is one of the few OECD countries that has not de-coupled energy use from economic growth, Mr Hemmingway said.

Although New Zealanders are increasingly paying attention to electricity efficiency, it needs to be taken to the next level, Mr Hemmingway said.

The Commission is especially interested in developing innovative programme design ideas and in establishing partnerships with parties with strong community links, he said.

“We are looking to form partnerships with parties who will work to improve electricity efficiency among a wide range of consumers in particular regions. Initially, our programme will also focus on encouraging investment in more efficient domestic lighting, hot-water heating, refrigeration, commercial lighting and industrial motors. Then, depending on the success of the pilot programme, we plan to extend the programme over three years to achieve our efficiency goals,” Mr Hemmingway said.

The closing date for expressions of interest is 17 November 2004. The Commission hopes to enter contracts for the design and implementation of the pilot programmes by late-December this year.

“We want to start the approved initiatives and partnerships as pilot programmes by the end of March 2005. We will then review the programmes before confirming further funding of up to $19 million for the following two years,” said Mr Hemmingway.

Further information about the programme can be found on the Commission’s website at: http://www.electricitycommission.govt.nz/develop/environ/index.html

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