Hodgson must come clean on clean air exemption

National Party Energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee is welcoming a bid to make cleaner burning fuels locally, but he's calling on the Energy Minister to come clean on specific details surrounding the deal.

"Energy Minister Pete Hodgson's done something for the New Zealand Refining Company that he hasn't yet explained to our thermal power generators when they're crying out for more capacity," says Mr Brownlee

The company running the Marsden Point refinery has struck a deal that gives it an exemption from the proposed greenhouse gas emissions charge to be put in place from 2007.

"What is the value of that exemption in dollar terms?" asks Mr Brownlee.

"Clearly some indication's been given to NZ Refining about how much that exemption will be worth and that should be shared publicly.

"Given the crisis that's unfolding in our electricity sector, it's disappointing that the Minister hasn't passed that information on to thermal generators," says Mr Brownlee.

"It's the very piece of information that could make the difference when generators are considering the feasibility of new thermal power stations.

"I believe the same exemption should now be offered to those thermal electricity generators, so they can better plan to meet New Zealand's future power needs," Mr Brownlee says.

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