Need to ensure power savings monitored
PSA is supportive of the Government’s move to set electricity savings targets for the state sector but there would be a
need to ensure there was no compromise to health and safety, and minimal disruption to public services, PSA national
secretary Paul Cochrane said today.
“PSA believes it is not unreasonable to expect the state sector to provide leadership in electricity savings. We do,
however, regard 15% as a high target and we want to know more about the types of savings measures which may be
considered.”
“We would also be keen to ensure that staff participated in the decision-making on what the measures are and their
implementation.”
Paul Cochrane said it should be borne in mind that the electricity savings are stop-gap measures to help reduce the risk
of power shortages in the coming winter months.
“The main reason we are in this situation is due to the energy sector reforms of the 90s. PSA believes the Government
needs to urgently address the key issue which is the long term supply of sufficient energy for the needs of New Zealand
at an acceptable price.”