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Right House - A new approach to comfortable, healthy and energy efficient homes

Why being energy smart is the bright thing to do

Thursday, June 05, 2008
The looming winter power shortage is yet another reminder that New Zealand needs to accelerate the adoption of small scale renewable electricity options, Sustainable Electricity Association New Zealand CEO Charmaine Watts said today.

Her comments were made during a speech for the Wellington City Council Sound-bite lecture series celebrating World Environment Day.

“More and more New Zealanders are feeling helpless each winter in the face of spiralling prices and the threat of power shortages.

“It’s high time the government woke up and considered the advantages of small scale renewable electricity options if it is really serious about its target of generating 90% of our power needs from renewable sources by 2025.

Ms Watts is leading by example. Eight years ago her family decided to generate as much of their energy needs as possible. Using small scale wind and solar power and a wood burner, the Watts consume only 500 to 1000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year compared with the average New Zealand family consumption of between 8000-12,000kWh.

“It is possible, but the government needs to do more to reduce the costs of adopting these technologies as happens in many other countries. Overseas, small scale renewables are being embraced at the rate equivalent to the output of seven Clyde Dams a year thanks to active government policies.

“Just imagine if more of us here in New Zealand were able to generate power where we actually consumed it. It would mean fewer power stations being built, fewer fossil fuels being burnt, and fewer wind farms being erected.

“We would all have greater control over our power bills and be more confident our water will stay hot and our lights will stay on each winter. What’s more, we would be helping deal with climate change so it’s a clear win-win.

“Without a doubt being energy smart is the bright thing to do,” she told the audience.