Jenny Shipley Leader of the Opposition 31 July 2001

Hodgson rejects call for expert advice

The National Opposition is disappointed that the Minister of Energy Pete Hodgson did not take up its suggestion to form an expert group to advise on the current electricity crisis.

"Early this morning I recommended to the Minister, both in writing and verbally, that he should task an expert group from the energy sector with the job of coming up with potential solutions to assist in managing the electricity crisis situation," Opposition Leader Jenny Shipley said today.

"This would have been in addition to the electricity conservation measures the Government has already announced.

"Clearly the Labour Government, as a result of the Caygill Review and their other experience in the energy sector, has no intention of taking over the role of managing the energy system.

"However the energy sector needs to call on all its available resources and experience to consider and recommend any initiatives that might assist in managing the current energy crisis, caused by the lack of rain in hydro lake areas.

"National has made it clear that we would consider supporting any reasonable recommendations that such a group might come up with. I believe the Minister has missed an opportunity in failing to take such action today," Jenny Shipley said.

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