Cold snap zaps savings

The country achieved a power-saving of 5.6 per cent on Tuesday, well below the target of 10 per cent, says the electricity monitoring company M-co.

Savings have fallen off this week as a cold snap has affected much of New Zealand.

On Monday, savings were at 6.5 per cent, on Sunday 8.4 per cent and Saturday 7.3 per cent. The seven-day average is 9.3 per cent.

Energy Minister Pete Hodgson is concerned that savings have dropped off over the past few days but understands that people have to keep warm, a spokesman says.

Mr Hodgson expects savings to climb closer to the 10 per cent when warmer weather arrives over the next few days.

Waikato, Bay of Plenty and King Country achieved the highest saving on Tuesday - 7.5 per cent.

Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast and Canterbury fared worst at 3.8 per cent.

Lake levels continue to fall. Lake Tekapo was at 34 per cent of its operating level yesterday and Lake Taupo is at 8 per cent of its operating level.

Feature: Electricity

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority