"A backup": Ditching gas, coal off the table despite renewables hitting record high - Minister

Renewables have hit a record high, but the Associate Energy Minister says New Zealand still can't quit coal and gas. 

A new MBIE report shows renewables supplied 92% of electricity in the June quarter, with record geothermal generation and solar up 56%. 

Wholesale electricity prices also fell 66% compared with the same quarter last year. 

Shane Jones told Mike Hosking New Zealand needs coal and gas because there's not enough water in lakes or battery storage to guarantee supply. 

He's tired of people who think you can have these green accoutrements without a backup and won't support a model where New Zealand imports everything from overseas. 

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