Adverse Weather Drives Demand for Electricity

Embargoed until 10:45am – 5 September 2006

Adverse Weather Drives Demand for Electricity

In the June 2006 quarter, electricity generation reached the highest ever level for a June quarter, Statistics New Zealand said today. Record levels of electricity generation were also recorded for the June 2004 and June 2005 quarters. Adverse weather conditions over much of New Zealand during the June 2006 quarter contributed to the record demand for electricity. Electricity supply problems in some areas did not appear to have had a significant impact on generation.

Thermal generation, especially gas and geothermal, contributed all of the increase to electricity generation in the June 2006 quarter, while coal-fired generation recorded a decrease. At 4,469 gigawatt hours, this level of thermal generation is the highest ever recorded in a June quarter, and the third highest on record for any quarter.

Hydro and wind generation remained virtually unchanged this quarter when compared with the June 2005 quarter. However, its contribution to total electricity generation fell 1 percent.

When seasonally adjusted, the volume of electricity generated in the June 2006 quarter rose 1.9 percent compared with the March 2006 quarter. This follows no change between the December 2005 and March 2006 quarters.

Production of all types of petroleum products decreased in the June 2006 quarter, compared with the June 2005 quarter, while deliveries of petroleum products increased over the same period.

Cathryn Ashley-Jones
Acting Government Statistician

ENDS

© Scoop Media