Consumers slow to get power-saving message

Power savings are increasing but have yet to reach the target set by the Government Grid Security Committee to avoid blackouts.

Consumers had built "a bit" on the 2 per cent of power savings made by the middle of last week, said committee co-ordinator Dr Patrick Strange, but had not reached the 5 per cent target set two weeks ago.

The committee would have a more specific idea about the exact amount of power saved by Wednesday.

"People are conscious of it ... and starting to do the little things," said Dr Strange.

"These things have a habit of starting reasonably slowly."

The committee was still at stage one of its energy-saving strategy, but if savings and the power supply situation did not improve, it would increase advertising urging people to save power.



Fears are growing about winter power shortages from lack of water flowing into southern hydro lakes amid concerns about coal and gas shortages.

Blue Skies Weather and Climate Services forecaster Tony Trewinnard said the sporadic weekend rain fell on the plains and foothills, but not in the catchment areas feeding the hydro lakes.

"It makes things worse because you end up with cloudy, wet days and people use more power. Days like that aren't helpful."

Gusting north-westerly winds were needed to put rain into the catchment lakes but these weather patterns had not appeared and did not look likely.

- NZPA