Energy efficiency and conservation
Our energy demand increases each year as our population and economy grow - we are using about 2% more energy each year. Making the most of our energy efficiency opportunities means we can reduce this growth.
Progress to date
The latest data shows that New Zealand's energy efficiency has been improving at 0.7% per annum over the medium term from 1995 to 2007 (this includes the transport sector and is similar to other OECD economies).
The energy efficiency improvement has helped offset energy demand growth. About 34% of the increased demand for energy services was met through improvements in energy efficiency.
Nearly two thirds of the efficiency gains came from the industrial and agricultural sectors, the balance is spread across the commercial, residential and passenger transport sectors.
EECA's energy efficiency and conservation programmes contirbute to this reduction in energy use.
Energy efficiency gains come from:
- Improvements in technology
- Better systems and processes
- Better information
- Changing behaviour
- Benefits from efficiency and conservation.
Energy efficiency delivers many benefits:
- Overall energy costs are more affordable for businesses and families
- Businesses are more productive with better international competitiveness
- We have a more secure electricity system
- We reduce our carbon emissions
- People are healthier from living in houses that are warmer and drier
- More jobs are created.
More information
