CONSUMER COALITION ON ENERGY (CC93)
The Coalition: Business NZ Inc
Consumers’ Institute
Federated Farmers of NZ Inc
Major Electricity Users’ Group Inc
12 July 2006
Mr Mark Franklin
Chief Executive Officer
Vector Limited
Dear Mr Franklin
Keeping the Vector Promise and pursuing damage claim
The Consumer Coalition on Energy represents a wide range electricity consumers’ in New Zealand. The Coalition is
frequently referred to as CC93 because it was formed in 1993. The fact that CC93 still exists shows how prolonged the
reforms of the electricity sector have been. It also shows there are some common fundamental values and needs among each
of our constituent groups.
CC93 is not a regular commentator on energy issues as each member tends to comment on particular areas of their interest
and expertise. However, when an issue arises that is significant across all consumers, either directly or indirectly;
then CC93 can express our concerns jointly.
The blackout in Auckland and other voltage related incidents throughout the North Island due to a failure at the Otahuhu
substation on 12 June has been the subject of technical reports by Transpower. More technical reports and technical
solutions to minimise the risk of similar repeat events are likely. This is useful and while consumers that were
adversely affected because of the event will be relieved this work has commenced; there are unanswered questions about
compensation, contractual liability and contractual incentives to minimise such risks in the future.
With respect to Vector, CC93 is concerned that the company has decided to retract the Vector Promise of paying consumers
if restoration times for outages are excessive.
CC93 believe Vector should stand by the Vector Promise and in turn cover that liability to consumers by pursuing damages
from Transpower. From the material made public to date there appears to be more than a remote chance of success of a
damages claim against Transpower and or their contractors. If Vector decides not to stand by the Vector Promise and not
to pursue a damages claim we believe Vector should explain to consumers why that decision is not in the best interest
its customers.
Actual harm incurred by consumers is likely to be substantially greater than the compensation consumers would get if the
Vector Promise is paid. CC93 suggest there may be also be a case for Vector assessing the actual harm to its customers
and pursuing damages on that wider claim also. In aggregate end consumers do not have the technical expertise to mount a
damages claim against Transpower but Vector does. Customers are looking to Vector as the counterparty to Transpower to
pursue damages on behalf of customers that have been significantly harmed by events that appear to have been avoidable.
CC93 has also copied this letter to the Commerce Commission, Electricity Commission and Minister of Energy. Copies of
those letters are attached for your information.
Yours sincerely
David Russell
Chief Executive
Consumers’ Institute
George Riddell
Manager Energy, Environment & Infrastructure
Business New Zealand
Catherine Petrey
Executive Director, Policy
Federated Farmers
Ralph Matthes
Executive Director
Major Electricity Users’ Group
cc Ms Paula Rebstock, Chair, Commerce Commission
Mr Roy Hemmingway, Chair, Electricity Commission
Hon David Parker, Minister of Energy
ENDS