Gas an excellent option for households & business

Gas an excellent option for households and businesses despite Maui fears

Householders and small businesses have no need to worry about publicity regarding future gas supplies, and in fact direct use of gas remains an excellent option going into the future.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Chief Executive Heather Staley says there is at least a 20 year supply of gas for direct use by households and small businesses, from a variety of gas fields.

"Direct use of gas is cheaper because it is more efficient, and there is plenty of supply going into the future as far as households and small businesses are concerned.

"Also, the more we use gas directly, the less electricity we need to generate by burning gas in the power plants. Not only that, but because direct use of gas is three times more efficient than burning it to produce electricity, it produces fewer emissions and is therefore better for the environment," Ms Staley said.

"We would urge people to understand that the publicity about Maui has nothing to do with their stove or gas water heater, and in fact the more we use gas directly instead of electricity, the better it is for our electricity supply and the environment," Ms Staley said.

In November last year EECA commissioned a study to identify the barriers to the direct use of gas by households and businesses. The report, due in April, will also identify the actions to be taken to achieve an increase in direct use.

Ms Staley said EECA is working to change the way New Zealanders think about and use energy by promoting and supporting the uptake of energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.

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