24 Jul 2008

Power savings campaign to end

4:25 pm on 24 July 2008

A power savings campaign ends this weekend. There is no longer a risk of an electricity shortage this winter.

The last television advert in a $2 million advertising campaign is due to screen on Sunday, although the hydro lakes are still only a third full.

Critics say its success was due to luck, not judgment.

Industry consultant Bryan Leyland says New Zealand was simply lucky the rain came when it did.

Campaign convener Ralph Matthes says the campaign started too late and any review should include a look at the performance of the Electricity Commission.

Energy Minister David Parker told Parliament on Tuesday that the situation was handled better than National handled the 1992 drought.

National energy spokesperson Gerry Brownlee says it is the fourth time in eight years that the public has been asked to save power.