Call for power conservation as Government dithers

The National Party is alarmed that the Government has made no attempt to encourage power conservation despite fresh warnings from those running our electricity grid.

"The New Zealand public always responds well to the challenge of electricity conservation, but the Energy Minister has failed to make a clear call," says National Party Energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee.

The Grid Security Committee coordinator has today issued a plea to households and businesses to cut electricity use by 5% to help avoid a winter electricity crisis.

"Patrick Strange warns ominously 'South Island lake levels are still too low and not likely to improve'.

"He then says 'if the country doesn't achieve 5% savings by the end of April then it is likely that more significant cuts will be needed to ensure there is enough electricity to get through the winter'.

"It's now patently clear that urgent action needs to be taken, but this Government continues to drag its heels on this issue," says Mr Brownlee.

"On advice from officials the National Party was warning of this scenario last year - but the Minister has refused to accept that advice.

"Now every New Zealand householder and business will be forced to pay the price for the Government's lethargy.

"These are third world measures that the people of any developed nation should not be forced to endure," Mr Brownlee says.

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