18 July 2012
MEDIA RELEASE
A Year Of Data Shows Continued Changes To Energy Use
Christchurch energy use continues to show ongoing changes associated with the 22 February 2011 earthquake, according to
the CAfE Energy Database results for the first full year of Christchurch energy monitoring. The quake sequence led to
increased contractor activity and a decline in central city electricity use. These trends are still evident in energy
use figures.
The data for March 2011 to March 2012, showed a decline of 2.2% overall in energy use with annual use of diesel up 6.5%,
and electricity and petrol down by 6.9% and 3.8% respectively.
The data for the ‘earthquake impact’ (February to February) period which should not be confused with the March to March
year data above, shows that during that period Christchurch energy consumption declined in the city by 4%, compared to
pre-earthquake energy use. Diesel use was up 6.5% while electricity and petrol were down 9.2% and 5.8% respectively.
Merv Altments, acting CAfE CEO, says “the earthquakes have affected energy use but it is too early to know whether any
changes are permanent. Given the likely timeframe of the recovery the trend is likely to stay with us to stay for some
time yet. When we launched the Energy Database we said use was likely to return to pre-earthquakes levels of energy
consumption gradually, and the figures support this. We’re still not clear what the final mix of energy use will be but
the Christchurch CBD deconstruction and rebuild and the impact of programmes in the next few years, including CAfE’s
Energyfirst initiative, are expected to result in long term energy-use changes.
“For now the figures show a small decline in electricity and petrol use, and an increase in diesel use,” said Merv
Altments. Overall energy consumption from 2008 to 2010 was relatively stable with seasonal variations. The new figures
point to a lingering change to Christchurch energy use primarily as a result of earthquake displacement and rebuilding
activities.
The database can be accessed here:http://www.cafe.gen.nz/db
The Christchurch Energy Database is available with data from January 2008 there are quarterly updates and data releases
updated quarterly. The energy database has been developed for CAfE by Neo Leaf Global, a consultancy specialising in the
energy and infrastructure sectors.
The database can be accessed here:http://www.cafe.gen.nz/db
About CAfE & the Energy Database
The Christchurch Agency for Energy (CAfE) Trust was established, as a charitable organisation (Reg # 44869), by the
Christchurch City Council in partnership with a number of other organisations to:
•raise awareness and promote energy efficiency initiatives and the use of renewable energy in Christchurch;
•reduce environmental problems caused by the use of fossil fuels in Christchurch; and
•introduce initiatives to address the negative health and social impacts caused by fuel poverty and energy affordability
issues in Christchurch.
CAfE aims to support debate by providing accurate information on current energy usage in Christchurch.
The CAfE Christchurch Energy Database data is the first “real-time” energy data for any city in New Zealand and shows a
significant reliance on fossil fuels. The figures provide a road map for energy initiatives and changes to land
transport, infrastructure and other planning.
CAfE is also the agency that is tasked with investigating options for enhancing Christchurch’s energy mix, such as the
district heating project proposed in the recently released draft Central City Plan.
CAfE works with Government, Councils, local businesses and building and property owners.
The board, chaired by Bob Parker, includes Jill Atkinson, Sally Buck, Bill Highet, Alastair Hines, Leonid Itskovich, Rob
Jamieson, and Andy Matheson.
The acting Chief Executive is Merv Altments.
ENDS