Irrigation needs contributed to a 2% rise in electricity generation for the quarter to December; pictured, North Otago last December. PHOTO: ODT FILESRenewable energy accounted for 82% of the country's electricity generation at the end of last year, but dry weather at the time required a large boost from coal and gas generation to meet consumer needs. Renewable generation declined almost 7% from the corresponding quarter the previous year, from 88.1% of generation to 82%. Wind generation was down 18% for the quarter, geothermal generation was up 2%, but Mr Hogan said it was up to gas and coal generation to "pick up the slack", with respective increases of 46% and 112%. In order to meet the rise in gas generation, gas production rose by 11% during the quarter to compensate for lower hydro generation, and a rise in the industrial use of gas.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 22, 2018 15:11 UTC