Energy data shows Christchurch using less electricity

Energy data shows Christchurch using less electricity

The Christchurch Agency for Energy (CAfE) energy database shows that Christchurch city electricity use in 2011 was down 10 percent on 2010 showing longer term effects of the 10,000 earthquakes on the city.

The Christchurch Agency for Energy (CAfE) has today released fourth quarter 2011 (October to December) energy use data which is available at http://www.cafe.gen.nz/db and http://www.cafe.gen.nz/EnergyDatabaseOutputs

CAfE Acting Chief Executive Merv Altments says, “Energy use was down significantly between March and July, and while overall energy use is now comparable to previous years, the composition of energy sources being used in the city has changed. Compared to 2010, electricity and petrol use in 2011 was down 10% and 6% respectively and diesel use was up 5%.

“With the central city still not functioning as it was prequakes, one would expect lower electricity use as is shown in the 10% reduction. The lower demand for petrol in Christchurch indicates that fewer kilometres are being travelled by Christchurch residents although whether this is fewer residents travelling similar distances or the same number of residents travelling shorter distances than before is not known.” Christchurch continues to use more nonrenewable energy (fossil fuels) than renewable energy. Energy use in the last quarter, from all sources, was around 75 terajoules a day, and approximately 34 percent of this was from renewable sources; predominantly hydro electricity,” says Mr Altments. The Christchurch Energy Database is compiled quarterly and is used to measure the use of renewable energy and energy patterns in Christchurch.

ends

© Scoop Media