Consumer electricity savings fall short

Consumers have managed to cut power use just 2 per cent following an electricity industry call last week for a 5 per cent reduction.

The industry is concerned that the country is facing its second winter power crisis in three years, and hopes voluntary reductions will help to conserve hydro lake storage.

Concern has been sparked by low lake levels and uncertain supplies of gas and coal for thermal power stations this winter.

Hydro lake levels are lower now than they were in April 2001.

The rundown of the Maui gas field means the usual supply of gas for back-up generation is unavailable.

Patrick Strange, who is co-ordinating the winter power taskforce for the industry, said further action might need to be taken.

"I'm not confident we won't have to go to the next level."

Colder weather in the South Island last week bumped up power use but consumption fell in the North Island.

The 5 per cent target remained but would need to be reviewed if hydro lakes levels stayed low and voluntary savings were not achieved, Dr Strange said.

Easter is an opportunity for companies to reduce electricity demand by turning off equipment and lighting while not in use.

Hydro storage fell to 2005 gigawatt hours last week, a drop of 140GWh.

In 2001, fears of a power shortage prompted a call for 10 per cent power savings after storage sank to about 1000GWh in late July.

- NZPA