National failing families on power prices

The current National government has failed to make changes that would reduce Kiwi families their power bills and stood by while power prices continue to skyrocket, Green Party energy spokesperson Gareth Hughes said today.

Residential power prices have risen by 20% under National, a $360 a year increase for a typical family, and are set to increase even more with large price increases being announced across the country.

The Green Party has announced a suite of Energy Freedom policies that will reduce families’ power bills: NZ Power with Progressive Pricing, more funding for home insulation, an end to fixed daily lines charges, and Solar Homes. Further announcements are planned.

“National is sitting on its hands as power bills skyrocket. The Greens have a comprehensive set of policies make electricity more affordable for Kiwi families,” said Mr Hughes.

“The typical Kiwi family is paying $360 a year more for power today than they were when National came to office. The National Party says the 'market' is working, the Greens say it isn't working for New Zealanders.

“Electricity is simply too expensive for many Kiwi families. 40,000 families had their power cut off last year because they couldn’t pay their bill. This winter, too many Kiwis will get sick because they can’t afford to heat their homes.

“Rising power prices are also a major driver of inflation, which is leading to higher interest rates. Families are being hit twice; first with higher power bills, and then with higher mortgage payments.

“National’s only answer to this is its ‘Powerswitch’ website, where you get to choose which power company you want to rip you off.

“While National does nothing, the Greens have put together a set of policies that will make electricity affordable.
· NZ Power with Progressive Pricing will save families $300 a year off their power bill.

· Increased funding for home insulation will make it cheaper to heat your home.

· Ending fixed daily lines charges will reduce the burden on low-income families that use little power.

· Solar Homes will make solar power more affordable and give Kiwi families an alternative to the big power companies.

“Power bills don’t need to be rising so fast. When the Greens are in government, we will give families choice and affordable power,” said Mr Hughes.

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