The use of coal and gas to generate energy has increased sharply due to falling hydro lake levels.

Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment data from April to June shows that coal produced 883 gigawatt hours of electricity. 

That's a more than a 500% increase on the same time last year, and it’s the first time since 2021 that coal produced more electricity than wind. 

Low hydro lake levels mean electricity generated from renewable sources dropped to 81% of total generation, an 8.6% drop compared to same time last year.

Otago University Senior Research Fellow Kimberley O’Sullivan told Ryan Bridge that while we do have to go somewhere, it’s time to stop looking underground for the solution to our problems.

She said that we need to get smarter about the things such as housing, and we could solve a lot of problems by increasing insultation and making homes more energy efficient, as well as adding solar panels.

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The use of coal and gas to generate energy has increased sharply due to falling hydro lake levels. 
Ministry of Business Innovation &amp; Employment data from April to June shows that coal produced 883 gigawatt hours of electricity.  
That's a more than a 500% increase on the same time last year, and it’s the first time since 2021 that coal produced more electricity than wind.  
Low hydro lake levels mean electricity generated from renewable sources dropped to 81% of total generation, an 8.6% drop compared to same time last year. 
Otago University Senior Research Fellow Kimberley O’Sullivan told Ryan Bridge that while we do have to go somewhere, it’s time to stop looking underground for the solution to our problems. 
She said that we need to get smarter about the things such as housing, and we could solve a lot of problems by increasing insultation and making homes more energy efficient, as well as adding solar panels. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

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