A possible looming winter power shortage should encourage New Zealand to accelerate the adoption of small scale renewable electricity options, Sustainable Electricity Association New Zealand said today.
Chief executive Charmaine Watts said more people were feeling helpless each winter in the face of spiralling prices and the threatof power shortages.
"It's high time the Government woke up and considered the advantages of small scale renewable electricity options if it is really serious about its target of generating 90 per cent of our power needs from renewable sources by 2025, she said in a lecture to mark World Environment Day.
Ms Watts is leading by example. Eight years ago her family decided to generate as much of their energy needs as possible. Using small scale wind and solar power and a wood burner, the Watts consume only 500 to 1000 kilowatt hours (kWh) a year compared with the average family consumption of between 8000-12,000kWh.
"It is possible, but the Government needs to do more to reduce the costs of adopting these technologies as happens in many other countries."
She said overseas, small scale renewables were being embraced at the rate equivalent to the output of seven Clyde Dams a year thanks to active government policies.
If more power was generated where it was consumed it would mean fewer power stations being built, fewer fossil fuels being burnt, and fewer wind farms being erected.
"We would all have greater control over our power bills and be more confident our water will stay hot and our lights will stay on each winter. What's more, we would be helping deal with climate change so it's a clear win-win."
