Householders brace for power price rises

60 per cent of households will face significant energy price rises next month. The government is phasing out low-use, fixed-electricity pricing plans across the country following a 2019 independent panel review of electricity pricing. From April 1, 60 per cent of households will pay double for the fixed line component of their energy bill - from 30 cents per day to 60 cents per day. Meanwhile Consumer New Zealand's Power Switch Manager Paul Fuge says many energy companies are currently putting up variable prices as well. He says some of the most vulnerable households on fixed incomes could be facing increases of $200 this year - and more than $650 a year in five years. Kathryn also talks with Fair Energy Manager for the Sustainability Trust, Phil Squire.