Summary
Energy costs for households are expected to rise significantly from 2025, due to a combination of factors putting pressure on Aotearoa New Zealand’s electricity system.
This is important because our poor-quality housing compared to other countries means we use more electric heating to keep warm and healthy over winter.
The evidence shows that those who can least afford to pay for electricity pay the most both per unit and relative to their income. Despite this, they still don’t meet their energy needs and as a result experience negative health and wellbeing consequences from cold housing.
It is essential that NZ’s lowest-income households can keep warm, so we must increase access to affordable electricity and energy efficient housing. Read more