New Zealanders have done well to achieve electricity savings of almost seven percent but must not let up in their
efforts to cut power use, says Energy Minister Pete Hodgson.
"Recent rain in the South Island is welcome but it increases hydro storage by a little less than a day's worth of
electricity consumption," Mr Hodgson said. "The risk of a supply crisis in coming weeks has not lessened significantly
and it remains very important to pursue the target of 10 percent savings nationwide."
Mr Hodgson called a week ago for savings in electricity consumption of ten percent for ten weeks to avert a supply
crisis. Savings have risen over the week and reached 6.8 percent yesterday.
"National hydro storage was down to 57 percent of average yesterday. We are still looking down the barrel of a supply
crisis if lake inflows stay low and we do not save power. It will take more than a few days of rain to turn this
situation around."
Mr Hodgson is due to meet electricity industry and consumer representatives again on Monday at 1.30pm to discuss
progress in addressing the supply situation and related issues.
For statistics on electricity consumption and hydro storage see www.m-co.co.nz
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