20 April 2017

Greens launch plan for cheaper and cleaner electricity

The Green Party has today launched a plan for cheaper power bills, cleaner electricity generation, and a smarter electricity network.

The Empowering New Zealand comprehensive plan for the electricity sector includes:

• $112 million for winter warm-up payments to help low-income households cover their power bills

• setting a goal for 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030 (in average hydrological conditions)

• an investigation into the electricity wholesale market

• encouraging lines companies to work together and embrace new technology to bring down costs

• modernising industry rules to encourage competition, transparency and use of data.

“Our plan will see more than half a million Kiwi households pay less to heat their homes every winter,” Green Party energy and resources spokesperson Gareth Hughes said.

“It’s unacceptable that so many Kiwi families are getting sick because they can’t afford to switch the heater on.

“Setting a goal for 100 percent renewable electricity generation is bold, achievable, and the right thing to do for our planet.

“New Zealand can help lead the global clean energy revolution, creating jobs and exporting our clean energy expertise to the world, but we need Government leadership to make it happen.

“The electricity industry is entering a time of massive change where big old power stations and transmission lines are being supplemented by local networks of people and communities who produce, sell, store, and buy their own electricity.

“We have consulted the electricity industry to design a future-focused system and I’m confident the plan we announced today is ready to be acted on by the next government,” Mr Hughes said.

For more information see www.greens.org.nz/empowering-nz

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