Hodgson Failing to Read Between the Lines
Gerry Brownlee - National Energy Spokesperson
Transpower’s System Security Forecast clearly shows if electricity generation is not increased for the South Island
then customers north of Waitaki will face brown outs and black outs from 2005, says National’s Energy spokesperson Gerry
Brownlee.
“The Government has a major problem. The simple fact is the best place to put hydro generation is the West Coast of the
South Island where there is no prospect of a dry year problem. The Dobson proposal is the most easily achieved
additional generation capacity from a renewable source.
“What Energy Minister, Pete Hodgson does not want to tell New Zealanders is that Kyoto and cheap electricity do not go
together. Expansion of thermal generation can only be achieved if the price to consumers takes a considerable hike. His
energy policy is a mess and unless he gets a firm grip on the portfolio New Zealand will have serious electricity
shortages from 2005.
“As a Christchurch member of Parliament I am extremely concerned that without the Dobson project going ahead
Christchurch City will face brown out and black out by 2005.
“I refer the Minister again to page 130 of Tranpower’s System Security Forecast and suggest he read between the lines so
he understands how serious the problem is, “says Mr Brownlee.