17 March 2005
Elderly need innovative solutions to power price problems
Solving the problem of power bills for the elderly requires more innovative solutions than Winston Peters’ suggestion of
regulating power prices, the Green Party says.
“If Winston really wanted to help senior citizens, who are paying too much of their income for power, he should have
offered to help them better insulate and damp-proof their homes,” Green Co-Leader and Energy Spokesperson Jeanette
Fitzsimons said. “Improving the energy efficiency of elderly people’s homes will mean they use less electricity; and
will help them stay healthier in warmer, drier homes”
Ms Fitzsimons said the New Zealand First leader’s plans to force power companies to justify price rises to old people
was unworkable.
“Giving energy regulatory bodies more clout to protect the elderly from higher prices, as Winston proposes, could
actually make things worse for older people. Cheaper electricity will just push up demand by others who are less frugal
than the elderly, meaning the elderly have to cope with all the detrimental effects of increased energy use.
“Firstly, there would be the continued and increasing use of coal-fired power stations, causing more of the smoky air
that brings elderly people so many respiratory problems.
“Secondly, we would see more and more proposals for huge, ugly pylons, destroying the visual environment and property
prices for countless New Zealanders. The current Transpower proposal for gigantic, ugly pylons right up the upper half
of the North Island would be just the first of many such plans if Winston’s proposals were adopted.”
“Finally, as demand went up and up, there would be pressure for price rises to pay for new power stations or threats of
power cuts. We need to find smarter ways to use energy and keep the cost of staying warm down. Ever increasing
electricity use simply means more pollution, more pylons and higher prices; with the worst effects falling on the
elderly and others on low incomes.”
Ms Fitzsimons said that, rather than trying to force electricity companies to lower their prices, it would make much
more sense to help everyone, including the elderly, to meet their needs with less electricity.
“The Electricity Commission should be funded to provide old people with assistance to make their homes much more
energy-efficient. This would include insulating, damp-proofing and draught-proofing their homes, and providing wraps for
their water cylinder and pipes. Such measures can cut household energy use by 25 to 30 percent in some cases, with
accompanying savings on power bills.”
However, Ms Fitzsimons applauded Mr Peters for adopting the Green Party policy of getting rid of fixed line charges and
only charging people for what they use.
“It’s heartening to see Winston following the Green view on this issue.”
ENDS