BusinessNZ Energy Council positive about energy future
The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) has released its post-election briefing setting out the conditions required to unlock a positive energy future for New Zealand.
BEC Chair David Caygill says New Zealand’s energy systems have provided a sound foundation so far, but the new
challenges we face will require new and innovative responses from regulators, energy businesses and consumers.
"Change is needed to meet the challenges of the ‘energy trilemma’ - achieving energy security, energy affordability and
environmental sustainability," Mr Caygill said.
"Meanwhile, new opportunities for energy supply and use are being opened through the sector’s key trends -
digitalisation, decentralisation and decarbonisation.
"Technology costs are rapidly falling and their uptake is empowering consumer choice and increasing competition across
the energy sector.
"But our members are concerned that regulatory frameworks aren’t keeping pace. Regulations need to evolve in ways that
empower local communities, and energy users and suppliers.
"Decisions by energy suppliers and users will reflect the best use of our abundant resources if they are based around
clear price signals that fully reflect costs, including the cost of carbon.
"While recognising the importance of targets, especially around reducing emissions, our members tell us that they are
more interested in the policies to achieve them.
"They want policies that are robustly debated, technology-neutral and durable over political cycles.
"While many challenges remain, it is difficult not to be optimistic about the potential for positive change that
confronts us."
World Energy Council (WEC) The World Energy Council's network of 100 national committees represents over 3,000 member
organisations including governments, industry and expert institutions, with the mission of promoting the sustainable
supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all. www.worldenergy.org
BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) The BusinessNZ Energy Council is a group of New Zealand organisations taking a leading
role in creating a sustainable energy future for New Zealand. BEC is the New Zealand Member Committee of the World
Energy Council (WEC). www.bec.org.nz
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