MAJOR ELECTRICITY USERS' GROUP

Wednesday, 24th October 2007 For Immediate release

Media release by the Major Electricity Users’ Group (MEUG)

Skilling report useful

“The New Zealand Institute discussion paper “We’re right behind you” is a useful contribution to the debate on how to decide the best approach for New Zealand to respond to climate change,” said Ralph Matthes, Executive Director of Major Electricity Users’ Group (MEUG). The Executive Summary of the discussion paper states:

”In summary, New Zealand has a significant exposure to the economic effects of climate change and should begin to respond. But New Zealand’s commitment to reduce its emissions should be a measured response and move in line with actions taken by other countries. New Zealand is not in a position to lead but should position itself to move quickly as this becomes necessary.”

“We couldn’t agree more.

“The scenario approach to assessing risks and alternative strategies adopted by the Institute within the broader global imperative to find a solution is of much more value than the package of proposals government released on 20th September. The latter focussed on what Ministers described as a world leading Emissions Trading Scheme without demonstrating how that fits with the overall positioning of New Zealand for the more important global negotiations on climate change. It may be that we design the best ever market only to find the world goes another route. We need to act, but not to lead the world.

“The Institutes’ discussion paper goes a bit further than we would in terms of suggesting definitive targets to reduce emissions. MEUG suggest a great deal more work would be needed to assess such possible targets; in the meantime there is work we can do to get ourselves ready to measure emissions and ensure we are ready for what ever international trading framework emerges,” concluded Mr Matthes.

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