Winter Power Taskforce congratulated
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson today thanked the Winter Power Taskforce for its management of electricity supply issues
and the Target 10 power savings campaign.
Taskforce head Dr Patrick Strange today announced that the Taskforce was being disbanded, with power savings, rain and
improved thermal generation fuel stocks having cut substantially the risk of power shortages this winter.
"Dr Strange and his team have done an excellent job, both in running the national power savings campaign and in working
behind the scenes to maximise the electricity system's ability to deliver power in difficult circumstances," Mr Hodgson
said.
"Earlier this year I made it clear to the electricity industry that I expected it to take a more active leadership role
this year in responding to the risk of a dry winter. It did so by establishing the Winter Power Taskforce and it is to
be congratulated for that commitment of effort and resources.
Mr Hodgson said electricity supply security in future would be improved significantly by the Government's reserve
generation measures, announced on May 20. The Electricity Commission, which will contract for reserve generation to be
used in very dry years, is due to be established within the next two months.
"Meanwhile there is considerable work being done on planning and risk analysis for winter 2004 and 2005," Mr Hodgson
said. "The Government is putting considerable effort into assessing the electricity industry's preparedness for the risk
of another dry year in the near future. This includes close examination of fuel supplies for thermal generation and
arrangements for temporary additions to generation capacity if needed."
Mr Hodgson said he hoped New Zealanders would retain many of the power-saving habits picked up during the savings
campaign.
"New Zealanders responded very well to the call for savings and I know many discovered ways to save power without
compromising their comfort or lifestyle. If those habits continue, consumers save money and help progress towards a more
efficient and sustainable electricity system."