More transparent electricity pricing may be an outcome of this year’s election, following a rare attack of political agreement at a BusinessNZ Energy Council forum yesterday.
Political party spokespeople Simon Bridges (National), David Shearer (Labour), Gareth Hughes (Greens), Colin Craig (Conservative) and Robin Grieve (ACT) debated their parties’ policies for energy and aired sharp differences on issues including competition in electricity markets, use of natural resources, role of fossil fuels, renewable energy and regulation.
However, all politicians agreed on the need for more transparent pricing.
BusinessNZ Energy Council Chair Rob Whitney said all political parties had picked up on a lack of transparency of electricity price rises.
“Energy companies would do well to consider improving the understanding of price changes. All political parties are supportive of more transparent pricing.”
New Zealand is ranked 8th in the world by the World Energy Council for energy security, sustainability, access and affordability. Achieving price transparency will matter to New Zealand’s ability to move up the rankings, and the BusinessNZ Energy Council would consider this when measuring success, Mr Whitney said.
“The BusinessNZ Energy Council looks forward to working with all political parties – whoever is government or opposition after the election – to design and implement policies to enhance New Zealand’s energy performance.”
Contact: Rob Whitney ph 0272921050
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