Minister lives on another planet when it comes to power prices

Energy Minister Simon Bridges’ claim in Parliament today that electricity prices are estimated to rise by just 2.6 per cent over the next few months is laughable, Labour’s Energy spokesperson David Shearer says.

“Households around the country have received electricity bills with increases of much more than that in just the last week.

“Customers in Wellington are being charged three times that figure. They will be astonished to hear Mr Bridges’ estimates.

“His statement simply confirms how out of touch he and the Government are over basic necessities like power.

“He needs to take the time to speak to families across New Zealand – many of whom have complained to me about their power bills – and acknowledge their concerns.

“Mr Bridges also agreed with the Prime Minister’s argument that the bulk of the extra costs are due to increased Transpower charges.

“Transpower, however, made it clear today that its portion of a power bill is just a small fraction of the total.

“The reality is that both Simon Bridges and John Key have no idea what is driving the power increases. They seem to be living on another planet.

“The Government should come down off its high horse and back my bill which will unbundle the various parts of household power bills so consumers can clearly see where increases are coming from.

“Sadly that is unlikely.

“Consumers deserve transparency and accountability – and a government that cares about their cost increases,” David Shearer said.

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