Hon Roger Sowry MP National Energy Spokesman
21 January 2004
Hodgson must explain power price rises
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson must explain why he thinks electricity price hikes of up to 15% are justified, says
National's Energy spokesman Roger Sowry.
"The RMA, the Kyoto agreement and the Conservation Act are still hindering new projects and creating red tape. Consumers
are having to bear the cost of this.
"Pete Hodgson says his advice is that the price increases are not "overshooting". He should release this advice so the
public can see why they are faced with more price increases.
"The problems still remain, despite the new electricity tax imposed last year. There has been no leadership or forward
planning from the Government on this issue. We need an industry plan to encourage generation and avoid these price
increases which are inevitable when the risk of shortage exists," said Mr Sowry.
Ends