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Latest power price data shows National has failed families
15 July 2014
Latest power price data shows National has failed families
Latest data showing New Zealanders’ power bills have risen 2.3 percent in the last year show National has failed families and households, the Green Party said today.
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment data issued today shows average residential electricity prices for the year ended March 2014 were 2.3 percent higher than for the previous year – an inflation-adjusted increase of 0.8 percent.
This comes as concerns are raised that Kiwis are not heating their homes properly due to cost, and ahead of a forecasted rise in the June Quarter Consumer Price Index, mainly attributed to power and food.
“The latest data shows power prices in New Zealand have risen above inflation, which has left many households struggling to pay their bills,” said Green Party energy spokesperson Gareth Hughes.
“This is even less acceptable given demand has been slack in the electricity market. It shows the market in its current form is not working.
"I think families have had enough of National’s inaction on power bills.
“While the big power companies profit, families and businesses are hurting. Something has to change. Excessive electricity prices are a deadweight on our economy and a drain on strained family budgets.
“The Green Party will be campaigning on cheaper power prices this election because we believe every New Zealander should have access to cheaper, cleaner power.”
The Green Party has a range of proposals to reduce energy costs, including its NZ Power plan, which is expected to save households $300 a year, and its Solar Homes loan scheme to help consumers break free from the big energy companies.
“Unlike the National Government, the Greens are not prepared to tolerate the status quo, which is working for the energy company executives but not for ordinary New Zealanders,” said Mr Hughes.
“While National stands up for big business, the Green Party is introducing policies that will make a real difference to households.
“We are committed to cleaner, cheaper power for all New Zealanders.”
For the MBIE data, go to: http://www.med.govt.nz/sectors-industries/energy/energy-modelling/data/prices/electricity-prices
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