Pansy Wong National Energy Spokesperson

15 June 2001

No time for Hodgson to attack and blame

Personalised attacks upon critics have become the hallmark of Labour's push to market a strong leadership style. The latest victim is Todd Energy CEO Richard Tweedie, National's Energy spokesperson Pansy Wong said today.

"This week the Minister of Energy endorsed high wholesale electricity prices as an invitation for people to participate in energy efficiency activities. Yet when Mr Tweedie suggested that high prices would eventually be passed onto consumers, Pete Hodgson launched a stinging attack to divert attention.

"If the high wholesale price is correctly reflective and justified on the grounds of no rain and low lake levels, then the nation should conserve power.

"However if state-owned generator Meridian can assure consumers of no price rises, and retailers can't pass on price rises because customers will switch as Mr Hodgson has endorsed, then where is the incentive to participate in energy efficiency activities?

"It is time the Minister stopped attacking the critics and blaming the weather and exercised some proper leadership in restoring public confidence in the electricity market," Mrs Wong said.

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