Clayton Cosgrove Outraged At Power Company Cutting Power To Families With No Warning

Waimakariri Member of Parliament Clayton Cosgrove is outraged that Contact Energy has cut the power without warning to some constituents who were late in paying their bills.

Mr Cosgrove said “the sudden loss of power has caused immense distress to these constituents, leaving families with young children without power for 24 hours.”

“Contact Energy’s own rules state that they send a written notice explaining what needs to be done, however the people who have contacted me have said this did not happen for them,” Mr Cosgrove said.

“I am very worried that families with young children are being suddenly plunged into darkness, with no chance to make arrangements for payment,” Mr Cosgrove said.

Mr Cosgrove said “the cost to have the power reconnected causes more financial problems for these families. They have to pay a $100 bond and $75 reconnection fee, as well as the debt they owe.”

“This is another legacy of Max Bradford’s so called “reform” of the energy supply industry,” Mr Cosgrove said.

“I have personally spoken with representatives of Contact Energy and demanded a meeting with senior management to explain why these actions have occurred,” Mr Cosgrove said.

“I am very worried that this is just the tip of the iceberg and there are more power customers having to find $175 to get their power back on.”

ENDS

For further information contact:
Clayton Cosgrove
MP for Waimakariri
(025) 829 562 (Mobile)
(04) 470 6593 (Parliamentary Office)
(03) 3522 022 (Papanui Office)

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