Scoop  Parliament

National's Tony Ryall and Pansy Wong today called on the Government to boost funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), as the Energy Minister urges New Zealanders to conserve electricity.

"On Friday, the Minister put out a 'switch off - or else' warning, saying everyone should cut their power use by 10 percent during the next 10 weeks or face blackouts," Mrs Wong said.

"He said that educating New Zealanders on how to conserve energy was one of the first ways to address the current problem," she said.

"This is the Government's chance to rectify its 8.2 percent cut in funding for the EECA for the 2001-02 financial year in this year's Budget, a decrease of $869,000 to $9.665 million," Mr Ryall said.

"This cut to energy efficiency funding was an extraordinary move at a time power prices were going through the roof. Now that we are verging on a power shortage crisis the Government must show leadership by putting its hands in its pockets to help energy efficiency," he said.

Ends

© Scoop Media

 

Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

Gordon Campbell: On The Fate Of Julian Assange

Has swapping Scott Morrison for Anthony Albanese made any discernible difference to Australia’s relations with the US, China, the Pacific and New Zealand? Not so far. For example: Albanese has asked for more time to “consider” his response to New Zealand’s long running complaints about the so called “501” deportations back to this country. Really? He needs more time to figure out a response? OK, but the clock is ticking.
The Julian Assange situation is a lot more urgent. Assange’s deportation to the United States has now been okayed by the British courts and also - crucially – by its government. At any moment, Assange could be on a plane and headed for a US prison. He is facing the prospect of 175 years in jail...
More>>