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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