"The Greens campaign against projects that would generate abundant energy, then complain when shortages drive up prices," says ACT Energy spokesperson Simon Court in response to the Green Party's call for power price caps this winter.

“While the Greens complain, ACT is actually doing something about it. Last week, David Seymour announced a plan to cut red tape for solar installations so Kiwis can get panels connected faster and cheaper. You’d think the Greens would welcome a practical step to build more renewable energy. Instead, crickets.

"Power prices rise every winter. It’s not because cold weather suddenly makes power companies more greedy. It’s because when demand surges and supply is tight, prices go up.

"An immature response is what the Greens are offering: Ignore the cause, point the finger, and try to regulate and subsidise your way out of reality.

"A mature response is to meet reality head-on: We need more energy. We need it reliably. And we especially need it in winter to keep homes warm and businesses running.

"For years, projects that could increase generation have been buried under layers of objections, red tape, consent delays, and ideological opposition. Hydro, oil, gas, solar, wind – it doesn’t seem to matter what kind of generation is proposed, someone turns up demanding another report, another consultation, another reason not to build it. Working Kiwis pay the price in their energy bills.

"The Greens want to add another reason not to build. Why would you invest in an energy project if there's a chance a politician will dictate how much you can charge?

"ACT’s approach is simple: Make it easier to build the infrastructure New Zealand needs. Scrap the RMA, remove barriers to investment, and support more generation of every kind so Kiwis can have reliable, affordable power instead of shortages and blackouts."

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