The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) welcomes the announcement of a winter energy payment, which will help those Kiwis who find it difficult to pay their electricity bills.
BEC Chair, the Hon. David Caygill, said electricity retailers recognise that energy hardship is an issue for some consumers and that they have a role in addressing it.
“But while measures are being taken by the industry, the causes of why some people live in homes that are cold and damp are many and varied, and not always related to the price being charged,” Caygill said.
“Hardship is influenced not only by energy prices, but by other factors including income levels and poorly insulated homes.”
“It is appropriate to address those problems via targeted mechanisms.”
The Winter Energy Payment will be available to every New Zealander receiving a main benefit to heat their homes from May to September.
“Our members will now work with the Government to monitor the impact of the winter energy payment to see if the outcomes sought from it are achieved.”
As new technologies are adopted, further market-based opportunities will emerge that support the Government’s affordability objectives.
The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) has released its post-election briefing setting out the conditions required to unlock a positive energy future for New Zealand, which addresses energy affordability.
World Energy Council (WEC) The World Energy Council’s network of 100 national committees represents over 3,000 member organisations including governments, industry and expert institutions, with the mission of promoting the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all. www.worldenergy.org
BEC is a group of New Zealand organisations taking a leading role in creating a sustainable energy future for New Zealand. BEC is the New Zealand Member Committee of the World Energy Council (WEC). www.bec.org.nz
For more information contact:
David Caygill 027 432 5228 or John Carnegie 021 375 061