Energy leaders discuss issues December 4

Developing solutions to structural problems facing the energy sector is the focus of a December 4 forum in Auckland.

Energy sector leaders from the Upper North Island meet at the forum hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber, together with policy and advocacy organisation the Northern Infrastructure Forum (NIF).

The forum will be attended by senior executives from companies involved in energy generation, transmission, retail, and investment, as well as major users, thought leaders and officials, says the Auckland Business Chamber.

Associate energy minister Shane Jones is a keynote speaker.

Sustained high energy costs are one of the biggest challenges facing the economy, says Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges.

“Businesses of all sizes are being crippled by energy costs, and the pressure is greatest here in the Upper North Island – this is where the bulk of the country’s demand is located, but we’re a long way from major sources of supply.”

Bridges says warmer temperatures and recent rainfall have eased the supply-demand imbalance, but he expects it will be short-lived.

“Fundamentally, the sector is broken, and we’re going to keep experiencing periodic crises – and see small and large businesses go under – until we do something about it,” he says.

“We need reforms that unlock increased generation and enable competitive, affordable prices.”

NIF executive director Barney Irvine says plenty of consensus exists across the sector about the types of changes required.

“This event is about giving key players in the sector the chance to come together, identify challenges and solutions, and speak with one voice.”

As well as hearing from keynote speakers and an expert panel, attendees will participate in a facilitated discussion about the sector’s future.

The findings of that discussion will be used to develop an action plan, which the Auckland Business Chamber and NIF will share with decision-makers, sector stakeholders, and the public after the event.

The action plan is expected to serve as a basis for on-going advocacy efforts focusing on change.