25 June 2009

Consumers left behind in the smart meter rush

The Green Party’s fear that consumers are missing out on the benefits of smart meters was confirmed today by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.

“There is a clear need for the Government to show leadership and protect the interests of consumers,” said Jeanette Fitzsimons, Green Party Energy Spokesperson.

Commissioner Jan Wright said “Smart meters are infrastructure of national importance. I believe the Government should take a leadership role here.”

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is Parliament’s watchdog, providing independent investigation and advice for a better environment.

“It is unthinkable that retailers have already installed 150,000 smart meters with only half a brain and intend to install a further 650,000 that serve nobody’s interests but their own,” Ms Fitzsimons said.

“Just a few dollars more per installation would give homeowners power over their electricity bills, saving money right across the economy. It could be win-win for everybody, but instead it’s a rort by the power companies.

“The Government already has a statutory target to consider regulation of smart meters this year in the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, but there is no indication that they are following through on it.

“I call on the Minister to make sure this work gets done, and gets done smartly so ordinary kiwis have an honest choice,” Ms Fitzsimons said

The Commissioner’s report can be downloaded from:
http://www.pce.parliament.nz/work_programme/reports_by_subject/all_reports/energy__and__climate/smart_electricity_meters_how_households_and_the_environment_can_benefit

For audio of the Commissioner:
http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/DrJanWright_Infrastructure.mp3

For audio of Jeanette:
http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/JeanetteFitzsimons_Rort.mp3

ENDS

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