Managing demand
Demand and supply
The demand for energy increases as the number of people using it and the amount of activity increases. The demand for energy in the form of electricity peaks at busy times of the day, for example in winter when people get home and turn on the heating, the lights and the TV.
The demand for energy has to be matched by an adequate supply. We've had times in the past where, because of low lake levels, New Zealand has faced the risk that we may not be able to supply enough electricity to meet demand.
Across New Zealand, if we use energy efficiently and avoid waste, we're reducing the demand. Because our economy is growing, demand will continue to grow, but if we use energy wisely, we can keep a lid on demand.
That means it will be longer before we need to find new sources of energy, such as new power stations, or new sources of vehicle fuel.
More information
- New Zealand Energy Strategy [Ministry of Economic Development website]
- New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation strategy
