The power crisis myth: setting the record straigt
2 May 2008 Media Statement
The “power crisis” myth: setting the record straight
1. How many times during
the Labour government’s term have the lights gone out as
result of insufficient electricity generation?
a) 3
times
b) twice
c) once
d) Never
2. When did a
‘dry winter’ last cause rolling blackouts?
a)
2006
b) 2003
c) 1992
d) 1974
3. When did we last
have a ‘dry winter’?
a) 2006
b) 2003
c)
2001
d) 1992
4. Which political party was in power
during the 1992 power crisis, which was the most serious
over the last two decades, required a big public savings
campaign, street lights to be dimmed and hot water cylinders
to be turned off?
a) Labour
b) National
5. Which
political party oversaw the “Max Bradford” reforms of
the electricity sector, which resulted in inadequate
monitoring of security margins?
a)
Labour
b) National
6. Which political party,
recognising this flaw in the reforms, established the
Electricity Commission in 2003 to better manage security of
supply?
a) Labour
b) National
7. Which political
party shows every sign of proposing to dis-establish the
Electricity Commission?
a) Labour
b) National
8.
Despite the multiple challenges the electricity system has
faced this year, including thermal outage, a drought and the
decommissioning of pole 1, are Transpower and the
Electricity Commission predicting blackouts this
winter?
a) Yes
b) No
Answers:
1. d)
Never
2. d) 1974
3. c) 2001 (2003 was a dry autumn,
which led to fears of a dry winter, which didn’t
eventuate)
4. b) National
5. b) National
6. a)
Labour
7. b) National
8. b) No
ENDS