National's Senior Citizens spokesperson, Dr Lynda Scott, says she is angry that the Government has barred Greypower from attending a top-level meeting tomorrow on the electricity crisis.

"The meeting includes electricity generators, retailers and consumer groups; but Energy Minister Pete Hodgson has slammed the door in the face of older New Zealanders," Dr Scott said.

"In Parliament tonight Lianne Dalziel, the Minister of Senior Citizens, was asked to support my call for Greypower to be able to attend that meeting. I find it shameful that Ms Dalziel refused to support that request.

"Although domestic customers have not been affected yet, elderly in rest homes will be feeling the cold shoulder of these power price increases.

"In my home town of Blenheim, Ashwood Park Retirement Home faces a power bill increase from $8,500 to a staggering $22,000 in one month. This is occurring in an environment where this Government refuses to increase the price paid to rest homes to care for the elderly.

"The owner-operator of that rest home, Chris Stokes, says he is appalled that the Government will not give a price increase to pay for geriatric and rest home care, but will allow state owned power generators to take the money and run.

"Greypower have every right to be at that meeting and represent their members," Dr Lynda Scott said.

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