Photo: ODT filesThe Government is investigating whether it should give the Minister of Energy power to "reallocate electricity or gas in situations of acute electricity or gas shortage." The proposal is buried deep in a paper taken to the Cabinet by the current energy minister, Megan Woods, on December 11 last year and released proactively late last week. It covers a wide range of recommended actions aimed at alleviating energy poverty and keeping an eye on how the fast-changing electricity market develops. "A possible option is the provision of emergency powers to reallocate electricity or gas in situations of acute electricity or gas shortage." "If electricity market participants are promoting this idea as a tool to keep electricity prices down, they should know better and look beyond their own short-term self-interests," he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 16, 2020 20:15 UTC