Nelson Energy Team prepared to test the power of numbers

Nelson Energy Team Trust

MEDIA RELEASE

March 20, 2013

www.nelsonenergyteam.org.nz

Nelson Energy Team prepared to test the power of numbers.

Following the launch of the Nelson Energy Team initiative to bring lower energy prices to the consumer, they remain prepared to test the power of numbers.

Mr Miccio said whilst the trust had expected some initial resistance from power companies, they wouldn’t shy away from the task in hand, “I have spoken directly to Mr Purches from Trustpower, as I wanted to hear his concerns. From our conversation I understand that he believes not all customers are necessarily those Trustpower would like to have, and therefore feels there is no value in collaborative bargaining. However, we intend to push ahead to get the best deal we can for the consumer, and are heartened that Contact Energy have already confirmed they are happy to talk with us”. Mr Miccio added; “some people in the power industry don’t want this to work, as it’s not in their interest. We would like every dissatisfied consumer to register their interest on the trust’s website, so we have a loud clear message that the community is unhappy with soaring power prices, giving us the ability to negotiate.”

Mr Miccio says the Nelson Energy Team will continue to support the city as the solar energy capital of New Zealand. Indeed one of the main goals of the trust’s “Safety Net” fuel poverty fund is to ensure power efficient heating and mechanisms are in place for those in need, “with collaborative buying power we hope to reduce fuel bills for the consumer, just a few cents per unit may make a big difference to some people. That said, the trust has a responsibility to ensure that we look at all ways we may be able to save energy, and we will continue to support renewable energy initiatives”.

The Nelson Energy Team Trust was launched today, and trustee, Mr Galen King, said he was pleased with the number of people that had already registered an interest in the scheme by signing up online, he added “many of the registrants are from outside the Nelson region, which is a really positive sign and will really help us get the numbers needed to make this work. High power prices are clearly a nationwide issue.”

Ends.

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