Panel looks to alleviate energy hardship
The Energy Hardship Expert Panel is looking for feedback on how to alleviate energy hardship.
Keri Brown, a Hutt City councillor based in Wainuiomata, is chairing the independent panel.
A significant number of individuals, whānau and households in Aotearoa are living in energy hardship and she says the panel is looking for ways to deal with the issue.
‘‘We welcome submissions that propose innovative ideas or provide insights into effective strategies that have been implemented in the past,’’ Brown says.
Almost 20% of households can’t afford to heat their homes, rising to 37% in the lowest income bracket.
While many people will not be familiar with the term ‘‘energy hardship’’, Brown believes most will have some idea of what it looks and feels like. Energy hardship includes households experiencing power disconnections, unreliable access to energy and heat sources, living in cold, damp homes and choosing between heating or eating.
‘‘Our goal is to create actionable solutions that will help vulnerable households and individuals struggling to pay for their energy bills.’’
The five-person panel has spent months carrying out research, holding workshops, and having kōrero with New Zealanders who understand what it means to struggle with their energy bills and with organisations supporting them.
The deadline for submissions is April 28. Contributions will help inform our recommendations to the Minister of Energy and Resources, Megan Woods.
The online submission form can be found at www.mbie.govt. nz/ehep-have-your-say