Comalco cut reflects power shortage
Friday, 25 November 2005, 2:53 pm
Press Release: New Zealand National Party
Nick Smith National Party Energy Spokesperson
25 November
2005
Comalco cut reflects power shortage
"Today's
decision by Comalco to take 20 furnaces out of production
will cost New Zealand $1 million a week in exports," says
National's Energy spokesman, Nick Smith.
"These are the
chickens coming home to roost on a Government that has
discouraged investment in electricity.
"They killed off
Project Aqua and the Dobson Hydro scheme and now we don't
have the electricity to drive industry.
"The significance
of this cut in Comalco's production is that it is occurring
in summer and not during the peak loads of winter. This
reflects just how serious New Zealand's electricity supply
problem has become.
"The cut shows the Government's
policies are not working. We must reform the Resource
Management Act and provide an environment that encourages
investment in new generation," says Dr
Smith.
ENDS
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