Brown encourages New Zealanders to listen to Transpower’s instructions.
The state transmission company suggests households should avoid charging appliances or electric vehicles and using the washing machine, dryer or dishwasher on Friday morning. People should also turn off heaters and lights in rooms they aren’t using until 9am.
A warning notice has been sent advising the industry of the situation and Transpower is working with electricity lines companies to switch off controllable load like hot water systems on Friday to reduce demand, it said. Transpower said hot water systems are regularly switched on and off during the day, so most people won’t notice.
It comes after the Coalition Government said earlier this week low gas production was threatening New Zealand’s energy security.
Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show production reduced by 12.5 percent during 2023 and by 27.8 percent in the first three months of this year – beyond what was projected.
The figures are concerning for those who rely on gas – such as schools, hospitals, universities, food and chemical processors and electricity generators.
It’s causing companies such as Genesis Energy to resort to importing coal, which has higher emissions.
In response to the report, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has set up a Gas Security Response Group to coordinate producers, users and Government agencies while supply is tight. The group will assess measures needed to ensure the gas supply is available for its most critical users.