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Information about the gas industry is regularly published on a variety of websites. The Gas Association also produces regular publications and media releases.
Energy Networks Association latest newsletter provides details for their 2008 Gas Seminar. You can read full details of this here
Energy Networks Association have issued a media release dated 14 April 2008 entitled “Peak Energy Body Calls for One Set of National Rules for Energy Safety”. You can read the full release here
New Study highlights benefits of Direct Use of Gas
New research has highlighted the energy efficiency and CO2 benefits of Direct Use of Gas (DUOG).
The study, by the New Zealand Centre For Advanced Engineering (CAE), will be released on the Gas Association of NZ (GANZ) and LPG Association (LPGA) websites on March 28.
The study provides a detailed comparison of the efficiency and carbon emission characteristics of gas appliances and the alternatives in the residential, commercial and light industrial sectors.
The study clearly demonstrates that more use of DUOG would offer significant and quantifiable energy efficiency and CO2 advantages over other energy forms.
GANZ and the LPGA will be briefing energy policymakers, relevant MPs and other energy sector stakeholders on the findings, which we believe will spark interesting and challenging debate about the role of DUOG in New Zealand’s energy policy.
We look forward to sharing this comprehensive study with you on March 28.
Gas space and water heating could avert power shortages
With hydro storage lakes in the South Island fast approaching record lows more use of gas for household space and water heating could markedly reduce the threat of recurring power shortages.
Energy commentators are already speculating about the risks of electricity shortages this year.
Gas Association chairman, Stephen Nicholls, says studies by BRANZ show more use of gas for household space and water heating could shave 56% off current winter household electricity loads, and 51% from average household summer demand.
“New Zealand faces the growing risk this year of a third electricity shortage since 2001.
“The costs to the economy of an acute electricity shortage will be huge and could be very easily averted if we used gas instead of electricity to power household space and water heating appliances.
“Not only would this have a very positive impact on our energy security, but it also more environmentally friendly and energy efficient than using our valuable gas resources to generate electricity.”
New Zealand has plenty of natural gas and LPG for direct use in the residential and commercial sectors.
“New Zealand’s gas resources are a crucial strategic energy asset. We should focus much more of using gas directly, rather than using it just to generate electricity.”
For further information contact Stephen Nicholls (027) 235-7939
Energy Direct NZ have recently commenced a television promotion – you can view it here
The following websites are updated regularly with the latest gas industry news.
Ministry of Economic Development (MED)
View the latest news and announcements from the Ministry and its business units. Browses key news items and media releases relating specifically to energy topics throughout the site.
The Ministry has recently released the document “Powering Our Future: Towards a Sustainable Low Emissions Energy System – Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050” – visit the MED website for more information.
Vector Limited have issued a media release dated 11 December 2006 entitled “Vector welcomes Government’s draft energy strategy”. You can read the full release here
The latest Energy Data file to 30 June 2007 is available from the Department’s website.
Gas/Electricity Safety Regulations
The regulations governing safety standards in the gas and electricity industries are a step closer to a comprehensive overhaul with the publication of two papers for sector submissions by the Ministry of Economic Development.
In the case of the former, the paper proposes that the Gas Regulations 1993 be replaced with new regulations which take into account the new safety requirements arising from amendments in 2006 to the Gas Act 1992.
Specifically, there are new requirements for safety management systems to be in place for gas distribution networks and new offence provisions and penalties.
The proposed changes to the Electricity Regulations 1997 (again the result of legislative amendments, this time to the Electricity Act 1992) are considerably more comprehensive.
They include changes to the occupational licensing provisions for electrical workers to require registration and licensing classes and competency requirements to be defined by the Electrical Workers Registration Board, rather than in regulations; changes to the occupational licensing provisions to provide for competency based licensing of electrical workers as defined by the Electrical Workers Registration Board; a new requirement for safety management systems to be in place for larger generation facilities and distribution networks; new offence provisions and penalties.
Submissions close on both papers on 29 February. The Gas Association of New Zealand has created a process based on a timetable to enable the industry to make its submission.
Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ)
The PEPANZ website has a useful overview of news from the Oil & Gas Industry in New Zealand.
Business NZ
Business NZ is New Zealand’s largest advocacy group for enterprise, and champions policies leading to: international competitiveness, balanced employment, economic and environmental legislation, compliance and tax levels that foster growth and investment, innovation and skill development and an environment fostering the production of high value goods and services.
Ministry for the Environment and the Climate Change Office
For news about issues affecting the environment and matters about climate change these two sites provide comprehensive information.
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