Blackout threat near end as hydro lake crisis eases

By PAULA OLIVER

One more week and it's over.

Energy Minister Pete Hodgson yesterday signalled an end to the threat of nationwide power blackouts, but urged the country to pull together for one more week of electricity savings.

Despite most regions slipping in their efforts to conserve power, steadier hydro-lake levels mean the Government is likely to call a halt to the national savings programme on Monday.

Details of a top-level review of the crisis will also be revealed next week.

A key to the more positive outlook is the snow on top of the country's hills. As spring begins, the warmer temperatures are expected to bring a big thaw, putting vitally needed water into the parched hydro lakes.

"We don't have an end to the situation yet, but there is an ending in sight," Mr Hodgson said. "Another good week for savings should just about do it. After that, we can then begin to ease up."

Mr Hodgson said New Zealanders were to be warmly congratulated for their efforts so far.

"It's been ordinary people making ordinary savings who have got us out of this. We have been a little lucky that the inflows have been better."

Power savings throughout the country reached 5.9 per cent on Sunday, well below the 10 per cent level the Government called for in July.

The performance of the thermal power stations has been crucial to the success of the savings programme.

Although they have been "flogged", as Mr Hodgson described it, the stations have, surprisingly, not broken down.

If they continue that way this week, the threat of cuts to water heating or power blackouts will be erased.

But the questions surrounding the country's power woes will not go away as easily.

The Treasury has estimated the economic cost of the crisis at $200 million.

Mr Hodgson said a review of the past couple of months would begin soon. And he warned that if rain levels were low in coming months, the same thing could happen again next year.

"One hopes that we have all collectively learned a little about our power system. Yes, it could happen again. But two years in a row is not common."

The highest risk time for the hydro lakes remains the end of September and early October.

Many of the savings practices learned by the public and business could be carried on permanently without inconvenience, Mr Hodgson said.

Feature: Electricity

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority