Different Views of Power Crisis Show Political Agenda

Wednesday, September 26 2001 Gerry Eckhoff Press Releases -- Energy

ACT Energy Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff said today that differences of opinion between state-owned and independent power companies over whether the power crisis is over demonstrated that political agendas were driving the Government's decisions.

"Independent company Trustpower is quoted in the media today as saying that the Government acted prematurely in calling off the power savings campaign, with a spokesman indicating the company believes 'the crisis is far from over'.

"This contrasts sharply with what Pete Hodgson and state-owned power companies have been saying.

"The only conclusion I can draw is that it was political expediency to call off the campaign, rather than the need to ensure adequate power supplies. This cash-strapped Government is under considerable pressure to gather big returns from its own power companies.

"This short term thinking is likely to come back and bite the Minister next winter. Of course in one sense the opposition will be able to make great capital of the situation next year if there are power cuts leading up to the election ' but it would be a sad and unnecessary outcome for New Zealanders.

"I have already written to the Minister this week urging him to reinstate the formal power savings campaign ' and I ask him again to consider this. Maintaining adequate power supplies are a matter for the whole country and it is not up to Government's to risk them for short term gain," Gerry Eckhoff said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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