Gerry Brownlee MP
National Party Energy Spokesman
21 April 2008
Public want an assurance the grid is safe
National Party Energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee says the public will need some assurances from the Government that the
South Island power grid is safe from the international financial crisis.
“Energy Minister Trevor Mallard needs to explain why he believes the grid is safe, despite the hard times which have hit
the US bank which effectively owns it.”
Mr Brownlee said the Commerce Select Committee was told the grid is protected from being part of any possible settlement
to creditors, but the arrangement is very complex and there are few people still in Transpower who understand the deal.
“So Transpower and the Minister need to make clear there is no problem, and that the grid suddenly won’t be put on the
block because its technical owners face difficulties.”
ENDS