Sandra Goudie MP
National Party Senior Citizens Spokeswoman

10 December 2006

Senior citizens feel chill of power price hikes

“Senior citizens representatives are already anxious about the impact of looming power price rises, “says National Party Senior Citizens spokeswoman Sandra Goudie.

“As it is, many of our vulnerable older citizens are struggling to pay their bills during the winter months, and power price hikes are the last thing they need.”

Ms Goudie is commenting on rising power prices and promises of more to come.

“The organisations that I deal with have identified rising electricity prices as a top priority. They’re worried some of our elderly will put their own health at risk in order to save money.

“Labour can’t ignore the part it is playing in causing this sort of hardship.

“For instance, the paralysis caused by the resource consent process is preventing good renewable energy projects from getting the green light. And when there’s not enough new power coming on line – prices rise.

“It’s supply and demand. Labour’s obvious struggle with the supply side is underlined by its reliance on fossil fuels for generation.”

Ms Goudie says despite all its promises, Labour is failing to deliver a better quality of life for New Zealand’s elderly.

“Local body rates for many have gone through the roof, they’re being culled from hospital waiting lists in droves and now power price hikes will put more pressure on budgets where every cent is accounted for.

“If this is Helen Clark’s idea of a ‘golden age’ then I would hate to think what the bronze version would look like.”

Ends

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