Power prices will probably fall as a result of the proposed lifting of a moratorium on new fossil-fuel power plants, says the head of the Major Electricity Users' Group.
Part of the National Party's governing agreement with the ACT Party involves lifting the ban, which was designed to move electricity generation towards using renewable sources.
The group's executive director, Ralph Matthes, says lifting the ban should increase supply, allowing more gas-fired power stations to be built.
However, Simon Boxer, a climate campaigner at Greenpeace, says National's move is disappointing.
"This comes at a time when the climate crisis is getting worse. We're seeing many countries doing more to address their emissions. Meanwhile, New Zealand remains the fifth-largest per capita emitter in the developed world."
