Energy efficiency gain well short of target

Energy efficiency in New Zealand improved by only 1 per cent during the two years to March 2003, the Government said today.

Energy Minister Pete Hodgson released the latest data, and said although there were "issues around its quality" the message was clear: more had to be done.

The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy targets are for efficiency to improve 20 per cent by 2012 and for renewable energy to contribute an additional 30 petajoules by that date.

Mr Hodgson said 20 per cent of the renewable energy target had been achieved.

Since March 2003 the Government had taken significant steps to help meet the targets including new legislation and restructuring of the transport sector, he said.

"Energy efficiency can help increase security of supply, reduce the pressure to build expensive new generation sooner than we otherwise might and can help protect the environment," he said in a statement.

"We need to secure these gains at the same time as supporting sustainable economic growth and improving standards of living."

- NZPA