John Harbord: Major Electricity Users' Group Chair on the energy crisis highlighting the downsides of renewable power

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

It's believed New Zealand's current energy dilemmas highlight the double-edged sword of renewable power.

Low lake levels, acute gas shortages, and periods of low wind have contributed to a looming energy supply crisis and skyrocketing prices.

Our biggest gas user, global methanol manufacturer Methanex, will shut down its Kiwi operations until October and redirect its gas to Contact Energy and Genesis Energy.

Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord says it's a fix, but just a temporary one.

He told Mike Hosking new gas is urgently needed no matter if it's imported or explored.

Harbord says being reliant on renewable energy also means an increased reliance on gas and coal.

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