Private energy use jumps

Households are the biggest energy “consumer”, soaking up more than a quarter of the nation’s electricity and other energy.

Statistics New Zealand Energy, Economy and Emissions figures for 1997 to 2003 show consumer demand increased 15 per cent, with carbon dioxide emissions – usually a by-product of burning fossil fuels – jumping 21 per cent.

..Most of the energy consumed by households was in the form of petrol used in cars: a 100km car trip uses enough energy to run an average house for three days.

The New Zealand Herald