Meridian freezes Christchurch power prices for another six m

Meridian freezes Christchurch power prices for another six months

Meridian Energy today announced it would freeze power prices for at least another six months for its 107,000 electricity customers in Christchurch.

Meridian’s residential customers have not had a price increase for almost two years.

Meridian’s Chief Executive Tim Lusk, who is visiting the quake-hit city today, says the company recognises the huge impact the earthquake has had on Christchurch. “The city is a key centre for Meridian both in terms of customers and our 300 Christchurch-based staff. Our thoughts are with everyone here.

“We recognise what a huge challenge this is for Christchurch and for us as a part of this community. So we won’t be raising prices here – our focus is on getting through this next period together,” says Mr Lusk.

Meridian has also extended the due date on all current bills by one month so that customers in Christchurch affected by the earthquake don’t have to worry about paying their electricity bill right now.

Last week, Meridian also made a donation of $500,000 to the New Zealand Red Cross to support the relief effort.

Meridian’s Manchester Street office, which includes its Customer Contact Centre, was severely damaged in the quake and is uninhabitable. The company has already signed a lease for a new building on Moorehouse Avenue for the medium term and is looking into options to rebuild new premises in Christchurch.

“Christchurch is Meridian’s home city and we’re staying here,” says Mr Lusk.

Meridian is urging people worried about paying their bill, who went without power or whose house is uninhabitable to phone 0800 496 496. Regular updates are also being posted to www.meridianenergy.co.nz

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