Electricity demand has decreased, as compared with the same quarter last year with a 5% drop in generation.

In the month of March quarter 9,545 giga watt hours of generation were there, the lowest figure since June 2003.

Gerry Brownlee, Energy and Resources Minister said that at the Tiwai Point aluminum smelter the figure reflects the slow economy and reduced usage.

As the economy improves and the smelter comes back online, Mr. Brownlee expects generation to pick up.

He told one positive aspect is that in the past quarter came from renewable sources73% of the electricity generated and consumed, which is the highest for a March quarter since 2005.

(via TopNews New Zealand. Contributed by Kohia Dennison)