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

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