Genesis Energy pushes back at blame from Minister

The electricity generator and retailer Genesis says it's been unfairly singled out for blame by the Energy Minister over the widespread power cuts on Monday night - one of the coldest of the year. Thousands of households were unable to turn on heaters or lights after the national grid operator Transpower asked lines companies to reduce their load. The Minister Megan Woods blamed the power cuts on commercial decisions made by the electricity companies, in particular pointing the finger at Genesis Energy for failing to turn on its third generator at Huntly despite having been warned there would be massive demand. But Genesis CEO Marc England is pushing back, saying that is an unfair characterisation of the situation.