Queen Street gets power savings message

By CLAIRE TREVETT

The man in charge of persuading New Zealand to save power came to the heart of Auckland yesterday to push his message.

Winter Power Taskforce head Patrick Strange said Auckland, with savings of 1.9 per cent, could catch up to the national average of 5.3 per cent with a little help from businesses.

"Big cities tend to be a little slower," he said diplomatically as he handed out leaflets to businesses on Queen St.

"Partly it is community spirit, and small communities have always been strong in New Zealand.

"But big cities also have a greater preponderance of business so their savings would be expected to lag."

Twelve energy savings teams started walking central streets in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch yesterday to persuade businesses and retailers to save more power.

They will visit shops and offices over the next fortnight, delivering posters with handy tips.

With South Island hydro lakes dipping to record-low levels, the taskforce has set a 10 per cent energy savings target to avoid power cuts.

Dr Strange said the crisis should be over by September.

"Our objective is to avoid cold showers, and to do it voluntarily."

Reactions from businesses and retailers to pleas for savings had been positive.

"It's quite important for public image for people to see shopfront lights being put out and things."

The taskforce had received complaints from the public about businesses leaving lights and equipment on.

Many large businesses and chains already had energy saving policies.

At the Bond & Bond appliance store in Queen St yesterday, the team found about two-thirds of the electrical goods on display were turned off.

Store manager Lance Johns said the company told its stores to reduce their working displays about two weeks ago.

"The reaction has been pretty positive and it hasn't affected sales," he said.

"There's been no major disruption."

Other major power users nationwide are also working to reduce consumption.

TVNZ last night switched off the lights under 27 billboards across the country.

Team member Chris Woodhouse said pleas for savings had met mixed responses.

Some businesses had asked why they should make the effort when it wasn't their problem.

"Once we explain it's not about shutting down, it's about cutting back, they are a bit more receptive."

Businesses must be able to attract customers, but there were ways to minimise power use, he said.

Some could be as simple as reducing display lighting, turning off computers, photocopiers and printers at the end of the day and closing doors and windows in air-conditioned or heated offices.

Other recommendations included checking that equipment was well-maintained so it was not using excess power, or having an energy audit to see where permanent savings could be made.