GreyPower Will Assist Government With Electricity Conservation

GreyPower will cooperate with government to help reduce the impact of electricity shortages.

"GreyPower has nearly 77,000 members nationwide, and maintains active communication with them," national president Graham Stairmand said, when he met the Minister of Energy yesterday (Tuesday 6/5).

"We have several initiatives underway already, including: Advice on what to expect this winter, and on how to cope with electricity shortages, given by a senior electricity industry official on Christchurch's "Greys are Great" radio program; a regular "Power Watch" feature in the Christchurch GreyPower newsletter, giving background and advice on the prospects for this winter; an initiative with Meridian Energy and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) to make basic electricity saving equipment more available to electricity consumers; discussions with electricity retailers and distributors on mounting a communications campaign if the electricity shortages prove to be severe. We will be expanding these programs nationwide."

Mr. Stairmand, GreyPower energy committee chairman Terry King and members of the energy committee also discussed with the Minister other ways in which GreyPower could help with electricity conservation. As a result, GreyPower will take part in the activities of the Grid Security Committee's Winter Taskforce.

Regarding the longer term solutions to the dry year electricity shortage problems, GreyPower warned the Minister against "knee jerk" reactions made without careful analysis of their costs, benefits and risks.

"GreyPower has a number of members with technical expertise in the electricity area, and also has unparalleled communication links with its members, who are, of course, electricity consumers. In fact, it is acknowledged that our organisation represents the largest number of residential electricity consumers." said Mr. Stairmand.

"These resources are available for helping to assess any proposed longer term solutions to the electricity. shortage problem."

For further information, contact: Graham Stairmand ph 03 351 5392

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