David Shearer
Energy Spokesperson

5 March 2014

Bill will end ‘blame game’ of power rises

David Shearer has drafted a private members bill to provide clarity around electricity prices.

“Each component of our power industry is blaming each other for the rises, playing a game of saying ‘hey, it’s not our fault’ while quietly pocketing a proportion of the increases.

“Wellington residents are being stung by up to 7% more for their power.

“Their increase is likely to be repeated across the country in time for the onset of winter.

“Power prices are out of control and the government is happy to let them go.

“I will be bringing in a Private Members Bill to unbundle power bills and separate clearly the costs of each component of a consumer’s electricity bill,” said Labour’s Energy spokesperson David Shearer.

“That way Kiwis can see the truth of who is charging them.

“The government clearly won’t act, so I will. Kiwis at least deserve transparency around the charges they are bearing.

“Customers need accurate information. Right now it’s a cynical blame game that Energy Minister Simon Bridges is happy to promote.

Kiwis are being stung by a system that allows power companies to hide increased prices and profits.

Transpower, the monopoly government agency that controls our grid, has racked up its prices to the lines companies that supply customers their power. This despite making a 117% record profit increase in over the last six months and paying sizable dividends to the Government.

Despite those record profits, Transpower is putting up charges for our lines companies which are then forced to pass those charges on to Kiwi households.

“Meanwhile, Genesis, Contact and Meridian increase their prices – blaming lines companies, but including increases that are above anything lines companies have announced. It’s a rort that the government refuses to fix.”

“The blame game has got to stop, said David Shearer.

ENDS

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