Energy data shows significant impact of earthquakes
MEDIA RELEASE 23 August 2011
First release of
Christchurch specific energy data shows significant impact
of earthquakes
Today the Christchurch Agency for
Energy (CAfE) released the first Christchurch energy use
statistics, from the Christchurch Energy Database, which
show the February 2011 earthquake reduced energy consumption
in the City by 8.3%, and that return to pre-earthquakes
levels of energy consumption is proving to be very
gradual.
CAfE is New Zealand's first regional energy
agency, established to promote energy efficiency, and
renewable and sustainable energy options in Christchurch.
This work is particularly relevant as the rebuilding
progresses.
CAfE has been established by the
Christchurch City Council, and is supported by Energy and
Efficiency and Conservation Authority, Environment
Canterbury, Meridian Energy, Orion, and Solid Energy
(Renewables Division).
The Christchurch Energy
Database is available with data from January 2008 and
up-to-date data will continue to be released quarterly
enabling valuable and timely comparisons to be made. The
energy database has been developed for CAfE by Neo Leaf
Global, a consultancy specialising in the energy and
infrastructure sectors. The contribution made by energy
suppliers, the Ministry of Economic Development and others
is highly appreciated. The database will continue to be
enhanced to meet the evolving needs of
Christchurch.
CAfE CEO Merv Altments says the drop in
energy consumption year-on-year, since February is most
pronounced with electricity (down 15%), petrol (down 8%)
with lesser reductions with most other fuels. However,
diesel sales were up approximately 7% since September
compared to the prior equivalent period, reflecting the
effort being applied to earthquake response and subsequent
recovery.
The 15% decline in electricity use can be
attributed to a number of factors including damage to the
CBD, impacts on business across the city and the decline in
residential sector. The use of electricity in June was over
16% down on the same month last year, but some of this
reduction would be caused by the milder weather," said Merv
Altments.
"CAfE will be advocating for smarter,
renewable, more energy efficient options for rebuilding
Christchurch. The reconstruction provides a once in a
lifetime opportunity to build a city for the future with
greater use of sustainable, renewable, less polluting energy
used more effectively. If we don't do it now, it will
definitely cost more and create uncertainty for building
owners and investors, as well as increasing or duplicating
costs," said Merv Altments.
Highlights of the data
include:
Electricity use in Christchurch varied little
from expected trends following the September earthquake but
varied substantially following the February event. March to
June electricity use in 2011 was 15% down on the same period
in 2010.
Overall energy consumption is reasonably
static but seasonal over time. Non renewable energy use over
the period 2008 to 2011 is approximately 60%, mostly from
petrol and diesel use in transport.
Christchurch
renewable energy content varied between 38 and 40% from 2008
to 2010. The renewable energy component is highly seasonal,
responding to the higher energy demands in winter.
Christchurch's total energy use reduced by 8.3%
following the February earthquake.
The CAfE
Christchurch Energy Database data is the first "real-time"
energy data for any city in New Zealand and shows a
significant reliance on fossil fuels. The figures provide a
road map for energy initiatives and changes to land
transport, infrastructure and other planning.
"CAfE
will be working with planners, architects, power companies,
building owners, Government and councils in promoting a more
energy smart city that is environmentally healthier.
Changes in future energy use can be monitored using the
database, which will also enable CAfE to target
opportunities to make more efficient use of energy and
increase the proportion of renewables in the Christchurch
energy mix. We all know our cities must change and CAfE
will be instrumental in working with decision makers to help
make it happen," said Merv Altments.
http://www.cafe.gen.nz/node/146 http://www.cafe.gen.nz/database ends
Database and
tables are here: