Energy
One for the road: Scotch proof for whisky biofuel
The world's first car running on a biofuel made from whisky residue has had its first successful test drive in Scotland.
Power company admits overcharging thousands of customers
Auckland power company Vector has admitted overcharging thousands of its customers.
France to ban sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2040
France is set to ban the sale of any car that uses petrol or diesel fuel by 2040, in what the ecology minister called a "revolution".
All new Volvo cars to be electric-powered from 2019
Volvo Cars has announced all new car models will be electric or hybrid cars from 2019.
Petrol prices may be unreasonably high
A government-ordered study has found retail petrol margins have increased significantly over the last five years, and prices are too high in Wellington and the South Island. Audio
Fossil fuel use doubles as hydro lake levels drop
New Zealand has doubled the amount of fossil fuel it uses to make electricity during the past week, new figures show.
Govt wants industrial heat better managed
The government believes far too much heat in industrial premises disappears up chimneys and is completely wasted.
Ralph Sims: Diesel locos and cycling in Denmark
Professor Ralph Sims has calculated that the CO2 emissions produced by KiwiRail's new diesel locomotives are greater than those being offset by the country's entire fleet of electric cars. He speaks… Audio
Scientists dispute climate benefits of natural gas
A trio of foreign think tanks are warning that natural gas offers a false hope in the fight against climate change.
Autumn storms boost Mercury's profits
New analysis shows the cyclones that ravaged parts of the upper North Island in April proved a boon for parts of the electricity industry.
Challenge to solar surcharge fails in court
Lines company Unison has won a legal battle to protect extra fees it imposed on electricity customers with solar panels in their homes.
Coal makes minor comeback as hydro power dries up
The much-criticised coal industry is making a minor comeback in New Zealand as dry weather deprives hydro dams of water in the South Island.
Coal industry rallies as power hunger bites
More coal is being burnt to make electricity, to compensate for low water levels in South Island hydro lakes. Two units at Huntly Power station which were reprieved from scheduled closure last year… Audio
NZ's biowaste profits going to waste
New Zealand is missing out on a multi-billion-dollar waste product industry, according to the Bioenergy Association.
Electricity distributors defend use of 'outdated equipment'
Electricity distributors are defending their use of what the Commerce Commission is calling outdated equipment.
Lines companies found to have outdated equipment
Electric lines companies are under scrutiny for having what the Commerce Commission calls antiquated equipment.
Dry weather pushes up power prices
Dry weather in the South Island is pushing up the price of electricity on the wholesale market.
Gas customers set to make savings.
Gas consumers look set to get an average 6 percent cut in the price of their monthly bill.
Rising electricity prices hit bottom line at Tiwai Point
Despite record production, the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter paid as much for electricity as it made in gross profits this year because of rising electricity prices, its majority shareholder says.
Privacy call to limit power usage monitoring
Smart meters can reveal when someone is home - or how long they shower - and standards should be set to curb data collection, the Privacy Commissioner says.