Moana

MACKEY

Energy and Resources Spokesperson
4 April 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

Grey Power Campaign Sparks Labour Support

Grey Power is right to question recent increases in residential power prices in light of flattening demand, a collapsed carbon price, and a surplus of generation, Labour’s Energy spokesperson Moana Mackey says

Lobby group members plan to write to MPs urging them to redefine electricity as an ‘essential service’, as part of its just launched ‘Prices Must Fall’ campaign.

“Grey Power rightly questions whether the New Zealand electricity market is operating competitively as industry and Government claims it is.

"Wholesale market prices are dropping and demand is flattening, yet three days ago the major gen-tailers all hiked their prices, reportedly beyond a simple passing on of increased transmission charges.

"The Government's flawed asset sales agenda will also put an upward price on power despite the current environment, further exacerbating the problem.

"While National claims consumer interest in power-switching website ‘What’s My Number’ proves there is competition, all it demonstrates is that people are desperate and looking for savings wherever they can.

“Many of Grey Power’s members are on fixed incomes. Unfortunately they know only too well what that means when it comes to even small increases in their electricity prices.

“All power to them for kicking off this latest campaign.”

labour.org.nz

ENDS

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