Taranaki Industries Could Cut Energy Costs

November 13, 2000

Taranaki industries could cut their energy costs by 10-15%pa.

That was the message the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) delivered to the Taranaki Industry Health-Safety-Environment Workshop this week.

“If your annual energy bill is $100,000, energy efficiency initiatives could generate $15,000 extra profit for your business every year,” EECA energy services engineer, Erin Roughton, said.

“Energy efficiency is one of the lowest cost and most profitable investments any business can make.”

The Taranaki Industry Health-Safety-Environment Workshop is a networking and information-sharing forum for industry being held from 14-15 November in various centres in the Taranaki region.

Mr Roughton said companies that belong to EECA’s Energy-Wise Companies Campaign have saved $160 million in energy costs over the last five years but many cost-effective opportunities still exist.

Companies such as Kiwi Co-operative Dairies Ltd, Shell Todd Oil, Fletcher Challenge Energy, Taranaki Polytechnic, and Taranaki Health are campaign members.

Forecasts of New Zealand’s energy consumption indicate that total energy demand will increase by 30% by 2020.

Debate continues as to whether New Zealand’s energy supplies can cope with that demand in an environmentally friendly manner.

“EECA is developing a National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy to help contribute to a more energy efficient future.

“Not only is energy efficiency financially sensible, but it also lowers CO2 emissions.”

Mr Roughton said energy use accounts for around 90% of New Zealand’s carbon dioxide emissions.

More information on how to be energy efficient is available at http://www.eeca.govt.nz

Issued by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

For more information contact Erin Roughton EECA (025) 495 288.

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