9 December 2009 Media Statement

National must cut Kiwi power bills

New Zealanders currently feeling the squeeze when paying the bills will not get any help from the Government’s electricity market review, Labour’s Energy spokesperson Charles Chauvel said today.

“John Key and Gerry Brownlee blustered during the election campaign that electricity prices were too high but after a year long review they’ve offered nothing to help cut power bills for hardworking Kiwis,” Charles Chauvel said.

“After promising to take action John Key has offered little to help New Zealanders who are finding it difficult to pay their energy bills when family budgets are tight.”

Associate Energy spokesperson Chris Hipkins said all eyes will be on how National’s recommendations for the electricity market will bring down prices.

“National has outlined its plan and Kiwis will be watching their power bills closely over the next year or so expecting them to go down,” Chris Hipkins said.

“Our concern is few of the proposals made by National today are actually focused on helping those Kiwis struggling as the cost of living increases.

“Transferring assets between power companies is just smoke and mirrors and does not guarantee any immediate relief for Kiwi power users.

“The Government might want Kiwis to think it’s making sweeping changes, but in reality it’s just tinkering and reshuffling the bureaucracy and assets.

“Kiwis want and were led to believe National would deliver lower power bills. Now Gerry Brownlee is confirming that power prices will continue to increase.”

Charles Chauvel said Kiwis are telling Labour that paying their power bill is a major issue.

“That’s why Phil Goff promised Labour will not take excessive dividends from state owned power companies above what is needed for investment in new generation,” Charles Chauvel said.

“Affordable power for New Zealanders is what National promised, now it’s time for them to deliver.”

ENDS

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