New approach needed for electricity grid problems
17 Aug 2004
WWF-Australia, the conservation organisation, is calling on the State and Commonwealth Governments to take a modern environmentally friendly approach to recent electricity problems around Australia.
In the past week, four states have been affected by transmission problems. It has led to speculation of looming blackouts because of surging demand for peak power. It has also sparked debate about needing to upgrade the national electricity grid.
WWF fears the electricity problems could prompt Governments to make a knee jerk response by simply investing in more powerlines connecting to more polluting coal fired power stations. Electricity generation accounts for 33 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, the largest single source in Australia.
WWF Climate Change campaign manager Anna Reynolds said: "The smartest approach to dealing with stress on the electricity system and spiralling demand is for Governments to help people use less electricity."
WWF said Australian Governments need to look closely at an approach taken by California in 2001.
Faced with peaks in demand and other system failures the Government, industry and community worked together to reduce the demand for energy. This cooperative effort saved money on electricity bills, took a positive approach to greenhouse gases and saved the Government from having to spend billions on new coal plants. California's peak energy usage was also brought down by 9.2 per cent.
One of the most successful initiatives was the 20/20 plan where people who reduced their electricity use by 20 per cent were given a further 20 per cent off their power bill. The 40 per cent discount was a major incentive for people to cut their energy use.
"The Californian achievement was delivered with simple energy conservation programs. We need our leaders to help us make the transition to clean energy," Ms Reynolds said.
Earlier this year, WWF-Australia and seven energy industry organisations investigated the potential for energy conservation measures in Australia. The groups found energy demand growth between 2001 and 2040 could be reduced from 57 per cent growth to only 25 per cent growth through widespread implementation of cost effective energy efficiency improvements.
To prevent dangerous climate change, emissions need to be reduced by 60 per cent by 2050. A cleaner more efficient system is crucial to achieving that goal, WWF said.
For further information:
WWF-Australia Press Office
Virginia Dew (02) 82021290 email vdew@wwf.org.au or;
Andy Ridley, 0415 865 992 email aridley@wwf.org.au
