NZ missing the energy efficiency mark

New Zealand achieved an energy efficiency improvement of only 2 per cent between 2001 and 2004 and the target of a 20 per cent improvement by 2012 is unattainable, according to a parliamentary committee.

The local government and environment select committee said in its report on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) that it was disappointed with trends in the energy sector, which indicated New Zealand had not improved beyond a "business as usual" approach.

"The EECA acknowledges that the aim of a 20 per cent improvement in energy efficiency by 2012 is unattainable," the committee said.

The authority blamed changes in Government priorities and the rapid growth of the economy. It said a new strategy was expected to be finalised by March 2007.

The committee said the authority had an operating budget of only $14 million and was a much smaller entity than many of the bodies it sought to influence.

- NZPA