Media release from the Gas Association of New Zealand
15 September 2005
Natural gas supplies secure for reticulated market
Residential and commercial natural gas users can be confident of continuity of supply despite the increasing nervousness
about security of supplies of electricity and the burgeoning cost of oil products," said the National Manager of the Gas
Association, Stephen Parker.
"The development of multiple gas wells now means that the industry's dependence on the Maui field is reducing rapidly.
The industry is already sourcing gas for the reticulated market from Kapuni, the TAWN fields, a number of smaller
onshore fields, and are looking forward to seeing Cardiff, Kupe and Pohokura come on stream," he said.
"Supplies for the reticulated market are not likely to be affected by any shortfall in natural gas supplies for
electricity generation. This message of continued supplies is reinforced by statements by Ministers and officials, as
well as the gas industry itself.
"Further, the amount of natural gas used by residential and business consumers is only 3%, a tiny percentage of annual
gas production," Stephen Parker said.
"Architects and building specifiers in the North Island appear to share this confidence in supply as retail gas
companies continue to report that around three-quarters of new homes in new subdivisions are being connected to gas for
space heating, cooking and hot water," he said.
Increasing sophistication and desirability in new gas appliances is also stimulating interest in gas installation.
The industry is aware that interruption to electricity supplies caused by problems such as transmission issues and
reduced lake levels are likely to stimulate interest in connections to existing homes and enterprises as gas pipelines
run past many homes that are currently not connected to gas.
"The gas industry is therefore looking to increased activity involving new connections in established areas, as well as
continuing its growth in the new house sector." Stephen Parker concluded.
ENDS