The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
RNZ investigative journalist Kirsty Johnston digs into the liquified natural gas terminal decision and finds that "for a government facing blackouts and business closures in an election year, importing gas is an attractive choice. For others [including Rewiring Aotearoa, whose CEO Mike Casey was quoted in the piece] it's the worst possible option."
As the story said:
When the government unveiled its long-awaited energy package earlier this year, the centrepiece was a promise to fast-track the import of overseas natural gas. Ministers said it would keep the lights on and protect industry as local gas reserves run dry.
But the response from almost every corner - other than the gas industry itself - was a collective groan. Liquified Natural Gas, or LNG, is an answer of sorts to the country's energy security crisis, but not one most were hoping for.
Not only is imported gas expensive, it is also bad for the climate, and leaves us dependent on volatile global markets.
"LNG is not a good option for New Zealand. It's a duress position, a band-aid," says energy commentator Larry Blair.
Even the government's own independent review warned LNG should only ever be a last resort. Frontier Economics, which led the official Electricity Market Review, warned that importing LNG would expose New Zealand to international price shocks and make local exporters less competitive.
At best, it will buy the country a bit of time while it seeks a replacement for its dwindling domestic gas supply, Blair says. "It's like jamming a finger in the dike to hold back the flood."
Rewiring Aotearoa's CEO Mike Casey said:
"The energy system and the energy market is failing New Zealanders," says Rewiring NZ chief executive Mike Casey. "The goal has to be finding the lowest cost alternative. And therefore the answer is not LNG - it's a way more expensive outcome."
... Casey believes using what energy we have in a more deliberate way is vital.
"Look at hydro. It's basically a giant battery, and we need to use it more strategically. And that's because the market incentives for those who operate large storage lakes are aligned for profit, not the strategic use of our hydro assets," he says. "The technology we need already exists. What's missing is a plan to join it up."
'Twas the night before Chris-mas, and all through the house, all the voters were stirring, the pundits showing their nous … the election will soon be over, but the energy crisis won't, so we'll be there to pester whoever is in power about the need to run more of the economy on New Zealand-made energy; can Ethiopia's aggressive push for EVs work and how does New Zealand compare in terms of adoption rates?; a two-way charging trial from Genesis shows promise in Auckland, but there's still a way to go before it's mainstream; small electric vehicles are often overlooked when it comes to electrifying transport, but it's hard to miss this weird French one; a solar-powered cafe (and some electric coffee); and we endorse the political vandalism of Keith of All Trades.
Read moreDownloadPoliticians are being urged to adopt stronger electric vehicle incentives ahead of the election. Climate and energy advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa is arguing that EVs are one of the most effective long-term solutions for rising transport and energy costs. They're promoting an EV Salary Boost proposal, which would allow workers to access EVs through pre-tax salary arrangements – similarly to already existing schemes in the UK and Australia. Policy and Government Relations Spokesperson Ngaio Neumegen told Kerre Woodham that even with the rising cost of power, it's still cheaper to run an EV than a car running on imported fuel.
A proposal that would let New Zealanders lease an electric car using their before-tax pay has not won a commitment from either National or Labour, with the 7 November election days away. Under the EV Salary Boost, put forward by Rewiring Aotearoa and Drive Electric, an employee would lease a new or used EV for three to five years. The payments would come out of their pay before tax, lowering the cost of running the car. The idea is based on Australia’s novated leasing system, though the groups say they are not proposing a direct copy.
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