Gerry Brownlee MP
National Party Energy Spokesman

12 June 2008

Hydro lakes at their lowest this year

National Party Energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee says for the sake of the country he hopes the forecast heavy rains make a real difference to the southern hydro lakes this week.

"The lakes are now at their lowest point so far this year. At 49% we're now in a worse situation for hydro generation than we have been for many years, particularly with inflows below the 1992 levels.

"All New Zealanders, including the Energy Minister, will be hoping the forecast rain makes some difference, with North Island thermal generation operating at full capacity and the heavy reliance on the emergency diesel generator at Whirinaki.

"Even with heavy rain, the situation will still be touch and go, given the delicate balance of our generation capacity."

Mr Brownlee has welcomed as "responsible" the industry's planned Powersaver advertising campaign, designed to encourage New Zealand householders to be prudent in the use of electricity this winter.

"I do hope Kiwi households embrace that campaign, but I echo the industry's appeal for people not to mistakenly go too far and shiver in the cold in an effort to conserve electricity."

ENDS

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