Compromised electricity supply

The Taranaki Daily News article about the Maui gas pipeline (September 27) and how its temporary rupture in 2011 cost the New Zealand economy $200 million is an apt counter to Colin Bell’s letter (new electricity generation).

Colin is right when he warns about climate change and the challenge of feeding nine billion people in 2050, and that New Zealand is better placed than many countries to transition away from oil and gas to other alternatives such as solar and wind.

However, Colin fails to acknowledge that the Government’s controversial decision to halt future offshore oil and gas exploration was made on the run, and without proper investigation and consultation with the experts.

Presently we have the Government moving with urgency to pass The Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill (to avoid being sued) while MBIE has released information showing the decision could cost the Crown $8 billion in lost revenue.

Furthermore, the decision was made politically, without even going through Cabinet.

Prime Jacinda Ardern might be getting plaudits in New York for the symbolism of this decision, but her Government has compromised New Zealand’s future electricity supply.

Embracing alternative energies immediately is laudable, but this won’t keep pace with New Zealand’s energy demands— nor provide jobs for the 8000 that work in the oil and gas sector.