Rest home reeling over 20% power bill hike

A Far North rest home is reeling after being told it faces a 20 per cent hike in its power bill. Switzer Residential Care in Kaitaia has been told it faces paying an extra $20,000 a year when it comes off a fixed contract with Mercury Energy next month. Doug Klever is the care home's facilities manager, which has 91 residents. He says they simply cannot afford this and will have to cut back on spending. Meanwhile thousands of households around the country are experiencing increased power bills due to low hydro lakes and other factors. Kathryn also speaks with George Block from Consumer NZ.