Mon, 12 July 2004
Salvation Army Says Reducing Tariff For Low Users Of Electricity Will Help
The Salvation Army has welcomed government action to force a reduction in the line charge for low use users of
electricity.
Major Campbell Roberts, The Salvation Army Director of Social Policy said ?at this time of the year we constantly find
that the elderly, and vulnerable households struggle to afford sufficient electricity to ensure their home is at a
healthy temperature.
Although some electricity companies have responded voluntarily to the needs of their low use clients others have been
more reluctant and the action of the government to force action is welcome.
Major Roberts said that in the latest report of the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services that monitors
families seeking food assistance across the country, over a quarter of the households were in debt to their electricity
company.
A reduction in the daily line charge although small may enable the heater to be left on for a little longer thereby
protecting the health and well-being of families and the elderly.
ENDS