Pursuant to section 15(1)(a) of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2000, I hereby notify publicly the release of the draft replacement New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.

Between 9 December 2016 and 7 February 2017, the draft replacement strategy is available for public consultation at

www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/energy/energy-strategies/consultation-draft-replacement-new-zealand-energy-efficiency-and-conservation-strategy

or by visiting the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment at 15 Stout Street, Wellington.

The draft replacement strategy outlines the actions, objectives and targets for the period 2017–2022 that will facilitate energy efficiency improvements and the increased use of renewable energy.

The proposed goal is to support New Zealand to be an energy efficient, productive and low emissions economy, with a focus on three priority areas:

1. renewable and efficient use of process heat;
2. efficient and low-emissions transport; and
3. innovative and efficient use of electricity.

Contributing to this goal are four objectives, one each for businesses, individuals and public sector agencies, and one for all market participants.

The draft replacement strategy includes an industrial emissions intensity target and an electric vehicles target.

Contributing to these targets are the actions outlined in the draft strategy, ranging from existing government programmes to new actions, such as the development of a Process Heat Action Plan.

Submissions on the draft replacement strategy are welcome by email to:

energymarkets@mbie.govt.nz

or by post to Energy Markets Policy, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140.

Submissions close on Tuesday 7 February 2017 at 5.00pm.

Dated at Wellington this 12th day of December 2016.

Hon SIMON BRIDGES, Minister of Energy and Resources.