Rising power bills reflect Govt inaction on
generation
National Party Energy spokesman Roger Sowry
says figures released at the weekend show that householders
are paying through the nose for Labour’s inaction on new
power generation.
He is commenting in the wake of a
Consumers’ Institute survey which reveals big electricity
price rises in the past three years.
In Wellington
prices have climbed 30%. In Christchurch the price is up
42%, in Dunedin power bills have jumped an average 29%,
while in Auckland the rise has been around 12%.
“The
Government’s been all talk and no action on the key
impediment to improving the security of our electricity
network and ensuring new generation - reform of the Resource
Management Act.
“The Government has instead been
tinkering around the edges in a way that has increased
uncertainty for those looking to invest in new generation.
“The result has been an increase in prices. That hits
householders, especially those on fixed incomes, and it
hampers growth of the economy.
“It’s simply not good
enough that Kiwi power companies are now investing in
Australia at the expense of New Zealand.
“It’s equally
unacceptable for Energy Minister Pete Hodgson to make
himself unavailable to answer questions on why more has not
been invested in power stations here at home,” says Mr
Sowry.
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