Energy Minister rules out winter power cuts

Energy Minister David Parker has gone out a limb and ruled out rolling power blackouts this winter.

A number of players in the electricity sector have warned that current low hydro-lake levels could see the lights go out if heavy rain failed to arrive.

Mr Parker, a newcomer to Cabinet, said he could assure the public there would be no rolling blackouts this winter.

Rolling blackouts are used in times of short power supply to force a reduction in energy use.

Mr Parker was relying on advice from the Electricity Commission that even if New Zealand had a one-in-60-year drought there would be no power shortage.

"The Electricity Commission is still confident that it is most unlikely we will have an electricity shortage this winter; it is possible, but very, very unlikely."

Mr Parker said Comalco's decision to cut back production at its Bluff aluminium smelter was not due to fears that power would run out, but a decision not to pay a higher price due to the relative short supply.

Asked if he was ruling out rolling power cuts this winter, Mr Parker replied: "Very unlikely, I can assure you... yeah, no rolling blackouts this winter."

- NZPA