Govt Worried About Hydro Lakes But Too Early To Panic
June 4th, 2008
When the Govt puts out a media statement admitting it’s concerned about the low level of South Island hydro lakes, it’s time to take the issue seriously. Until last week, Energy Minister David Parker was downplaying predictions of winter power blackouts. But now Parker concedes he’s worried and, unless there is significant rain in the hydro catchments in the next three weeks, the Govt will have to look at energy conservation measures.
Parker notes the electricity system proved its resilience earlier this year by coping with a situation of near-record low hydro lakes, combined with unexpected power constraints when a major thermal plant was unavailable for use. So he is confident it will cope again and there will be no blackouts during winter. But National’s Gerry Brownlee doesn’t share Parker’s optimism. Brownlee suggests Parker is either “fiddling while Rome burns or he’s completely out to lunch, I can’t work out which.” Brownlee believes a power saving campaign needs to start now.
NIWA predicts rainfall in the hydro catchments will be about average during the next three months. But because the hydro lakes are starting from a low base, there’s unlikely to be enough rain to replenish the lakes. Transpower CEO Patrick Strange says while there is growing reason for concern if significant rain doesn’t fall soon, it is not time to panic yet and the country is a long way away from winter blackouts. The Winter Power Group has set up a website to keep the public up to date with the latest information on electricity generation and storage levels. <www.winterpower.co.nz>
Copyright © Media Information Ltd
NZ Energy & Environment Business Week
Amalgamated Dairies