Labour leader David Cunliffe is promising lower power prices if his party wins government.
Labour out and about in Rotorua after announcing its New Zealand power policy. Photo: RNZ / Kate Gudsell
The Labour Party has confirmed its energy policy announced last year saying it will set up an entity, New Zealand Power, to buy electricity in bulk from power generators and then pass on the savings to households.
Mr Cunliffe said with demand for electricity falling, prices should be coming down already.
He said the party, if it leads the next Government, would also stop the practice of low income households being charged more if they use pre-paid electricity.
Mr Cunliffe called it a rort saying those households paid 60 percent more for their power.
As well, Mr Cunliffe said Labour would ensure power bills were easier to understand.
"It's hard to argue against a price rise when you've got no information and that's why we'll ensure transparency by standardising electricity bills to include a full break down of the cost to the consumer."
Mr Cunliffe said Labour would review the guidelines on power disconnections and make sure they are enforced.
He pledged to ensure that 90 percent of electricity is generated from renewable resources by 2025, saying that is critical to the clean green brand New Zealand trades on overseas.
