Keeping cool comes at a price

The heat is going on Auckland's stretched electricity network as more and more homeowners install air conditioning systems.

The increase in the number of household air conditioning units, brought on by the growth of apartment dwellers and the increase in the construction of new commercial premises, has forced Auckland's largest electricity lines company to consider a lines upgrade to cope with demand. Vector is predicting it will need at least a 10 per cent increase in capacity over the next 15 years to deal with the demand which will follow the increase in home conditioning units.

The Auckland region accounts for a third of New Zealand's energy consumption, with annual household use of $900 million.

The Electricity Commission is calling on Aucklanders to start conserving energy or face the dire consequences in years to come.

Electricity Commission spokesman Mervyn English said: "While new generation will always continue to be needed, making better use of the electricity we have is usually cheaper than new generation."

Vector's concerns are backed up in an Auckland Regional Council report released this month, which predicts worsening power shortages as a result of cheap air conditioning units and warmer summers. "Current peak electricity demand occurs in winter, but summer peaks are increasing largely as a result of increased air conditioner use, particularly for residential purposes," the report said.

The highest load growth is expected around the Albany Basin, where new industrial and retail development will take place in the next few years. Residential developments in areas north of Silverdale and in southern areas, such as Flat Bush, Takanini and Hiangaia, are also expected to put strain on electricity supply.

Several projects are planned to increase electricity generation to cater for these developments, including a 385MW gas-fired power station near Helensville and Transpower's proposal to upgrade the high-voltage electricity transmission network into and around Auckland.

However, all these proposals are likely to face objections from local residents, meaning most won't be completed before 2010.

In a bid to cut electricity consumption in Auckland, the regional council is considering promoting the use of solar water heating, double glazing and space heating in residential buildings. It's also looking at a home energy rating scheme for properties and encouraging tariffs so people shift electricity use to off-peak times.

Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority spokesman Robert Tromop said Aucklanders could take simple steps such as ensuring their homes are well insulated.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY