Wednesday, 8 June 2005

UF: How to cut electricity costs

United Future energy spokesperson Gordon Copeland revealed today that his party would convert Transpower from a State-owned Enterprise to a public utility with the objective of transporting power through the national grid at the lowest possible cost to consumers.

"In our view it is completely inappropriate for the government to seek a return on capital from Transpower, " said Mr Copeland, "and I was disappointed to hear Finance Minister Michael Cullen confirm the status quo in that regard in Parliament yesterday.

"This is completely unnecessary and results in additional revenue for the government at the expense of electricity consumers. It doesn't make sense and our suggestion is a practical way of reducing electricity costs.

"The government doesn't insist on a capital return from New Zealand's roading systems so why is the electricity transmission grid any different?"

ENDS

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