why are power prices so high?

[Super_BQ]

Generally renewable will always be more expensive to produce than non-renewable and always requires a degree of redundancy that isn't required with nuclear/oil/gas/coal (in case of drought or lack of wind).

If you go back to the TED video I posted about Bill Gate's optimism of 'Terapower', you'll find nuclear isn't that bad after all. He's cited that we need something in the order of a miracle (the BIG thing) to meet world energy damands (while handling the CO2 global warming problem). Actually, most people aren't quick to know about the negative effects of such renewable sources. Wind has noise and some impact on bird wildlife, also logistic issues. Hydro has a major issue of carbon emissions (caused by damming where the decomposing vegetation releases the carbon + the amount of concrete that is used, which is highly energy intensive). Photovoltaic panels can gobble up valuable land space and rarely, no one talks about how highly energy intensive it takes to produce these panels. http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2008/...ly-side-o.html

Out of curiosity how are NZ electrical bills calculated is there one flat charge of 20c per KWH? or is there a transmission fee tacked on per KWH, is there taxes included in that ?

NZ residential power consists of the fixed line charge (varies between where you live and provider) + the KWH used. The options are mind boggling. Genesis (a power retailer) outlines below:

http://www.genesisenergy.co.nz/genes...plans_home.cfm

Because the way a house can be wired, this creates so many options. What is not done in Canada is that in NZ, residential houses have what they call "ripple control". This is a line that is controlled by the power retailer so they can cut power off at anytime. Normally, this ripple is connected to the highest consuming device - being the electric hot water tank. During times when power is in shortage, power supplier can switch the hot water tank off. Of course home owners have the option to choose a plan that gives them full control of owning that ripple line (but pay at a much higher kW/Hr rate). Then there's options of installing 2 or 3 power meters, each that charge a different rate. Again, it's mind boggling compared to how power is charged in Canada.

Oh I almost forgot, there's a levy charge on each kW/Hr used that goes to the electricity commission in NZ - probably similar to the carbon tax in Canada.

Then there's 15% GST added.

I'm embracing for the day when NZ power prices hit 30c/kW/Hr - then people will really be screaming. My guess this will happen after the gov't finishes it's sale on the electrical power generation to private hands, then things will get interesting.

[KevfromOntario]

NZ residential power consists of the fixed line charge (varies between where you live and provider) + the KWH used. The options are mind boggling. Genesis (a power retailer) outlines below:

http://www.genesisenergy.co.nz/genes...plans_home.cfm

Because the way a house can be wired, this creates so many options. What is not done in Canada is that in NZ, residential houses have what they call "ripple control". This is a line that is controlled by the power retailer so they can cut power off at anytime. Normally, this ripple is connected to the highest consuming device - being the electric hot water tank. During times when power is in shortage, power supplier can switch the hot water tank off. Of course home owners have the option to choose a plan that gives them full control of owning that ripple line (but pay at a much higher kW/Hr rate). Then there's options of installing 2 or 3 power meters, each that charge a different rate. Again, it's mind boggling compared to how power is charged in Canada.

Oh I almost forgot, there's a levy charge on each kW/Hr used that goes to the electricity commission in NZ - probably similar to the carbon tax in Canada.

Then there's 15% GST added.

I'm embracing for the day when NZ power prices hit 30c/kW/Hr - then people will really be screaming. My guess this will happen after the gov't finishes it's sale on the electrical power generation to private hands, then things will get interesting.

What a convoluted pricing scheme that is !!, however options are nice when they make sense. It's almost as if they want to screw someone who didn't do there homework.

Here we don't have options, one distribution company and the price is whatever they choose (although regulated by the Ontario Energy Board)

[ralf-nz]

Generally renewable will always be more expensive to produce than non-renewable...

IMHO that is only true when costs for original research and especially later waste disposal are not taken into account. If one did nuclear generated would be very much more expensive!

[mattandjax]

If you go back to the TED video I posted about Bill Gate's optimism of 'Terapower', you'll find nuclear isn't that bad after all. He's cited that we need something in the order of a miracle (the BIG thing) to meet world energy damands (while handling the CO2 global warming problem). Actually, most people aren't quick to know about the negative effects of such renewable sources. Wind has noise and some impact on bird wildlife, also logistic issues. Hydro has a major issue of carbon emissions (caused by damming where the decomposing vegetation releases the carbon + the amount of concrete that is used, which is highly energy intensive). Photovoltaic panels can gobble up valuable land space and rarely, no one talks about how highly energy intensive it takes to produce these panels. http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2008/...ly-side-o.html



NZ residential power consists of the fixed line charge (varies between where you live and provider) + the KWH used. The options are mind boggling. Genesis (a power retailer) outlines below:

http://www.genesisenergy.co.nz/genes...plans_home.cfm

Because the way a house can be wired, this creates so many options. What is not done in Canada is that in NZ, residential houses have what they call "ripple control". This is a line that is controlled by the power retailer so they can cut power off at anytime. Normally, this ripple is connected to the highest consuming device - being the electric hot water tank. During times when power is in shortage, power supplier can switch the hot water tank off. Of course home owners have the option to choose a plan that gives them full control of owning that ripple line (but pay at a much higher kW/Hr rate). Then there's options of installing 2 or 3 power meters, each that charge a different rate. Again, it's mind boggling compared to how power is charged in Canada.

Oh I almost forgot, there's a levy charge on each kW/Hr used that goes to the electricity commission in NZ - probably similar to the carbon tax in Canada.

Then there's 15% GST added.

I'm embracing for the day when NZ power prices hit 30c/kW/Hr - then people will really be screaming. My guess this will happen after the gov't finishes it's sale on the electrical power generation to private hands, then things will get interesting.

Great post, didn't realise about the ripple, finally understand what they mean about controlled and uncontrolled plans. Thanks.

[torontomichael]

Solar power, is this something that exists in New Zealand? Does the Gov't provide incentives? Does reverse metering exist in New Zealand?

[ralf-nz]

Solar power, is this something that exists in New Zealand? Does the Gov't provide incentives? Does reverse metering exist in New Zealand?

Solar power was subsidised locally/regionally here in Dunedin. You might want to check details for yourself.

AFAIK reverse metering does not exist for small entities.