Momentum Continues in National Savings Effort

Momentum Continues in National Savings Effort

Regional breakdowns indicate steady progress across most of the country as the national electricity savings effort continues to build momentum.

Winter Power Taskforce Co-ordinator Patrick Strange said the figures demonstrate steady progress towards the Target 10% goal.

“I’m sure most people will be aware of better in-flows into the hydro lakes and while that’s encouraging it doesn’t mean we can put aside conservation measures. We still have the coldest and peak electricity use months of the year ahead.

The regional figures for the week ending last Sunday night show Wellington and Christchurch and the Upper South Island leading the national effort with both regions reaching the 7% barrier.

Those two regions also made the most significant week on week progress with a 2.2% increase in savings from the areas. “It’s pleasing to see that most of the energy retailers have announced incentive scheme to encourage their customers to save power. Those schemes will all be in place for June and that should give the savings effort a boost at just the right time.”

Savings figures for the week ending Sunday May 18 were:
Region - Week to 4 May - Week to 11 May - Week to May 18 - Gains
Dunedin & South 3.5% 4.9% 6.3% 1.4%
Christchurch & North 2% 4.8% 7.0% 2.2%
Wellington 2.0% 5.0% 7.2% 2.2%
Central NI 3.5% 4.7% 5.2% 0.5%
Auckland & North 1.9% 4.0% 5.0% 1.0%
National Average 3.2% 4.4% 5.8% 1.4%

While the national savings figures continue to make steady progress, Patrick Strange warned that part of the reason for the significant jump in today’s daily savings figure of 7.4% was due to a very warm spell across the country.

Nor’westers in Canterbury saw temperatures in the 20’s and the rain in the upper North Island has also been accompanied by warmer temperatures.

“We are seeing continued improvement, but the heaters will go back on when the cold weather returns so we can expect these savings to come down a little then.” Savings for yesterday (Tuesday May 21) were 7.4% with total usage of 96.1 GWH. That compares with a 2002 figure of 107.3GWH.The total usage was the lowest recorded Tuesday usage in the past month. Lake storage levels also climbed back to 67% of average for this time of year with good rainfall in the main catchment areas. Storage is now 1944GWH.

© Scoop Media