See new report commissioned by Business NZ here: http://www.businessnz.org.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/76144/Sapere-report-Achieving-policy-goals-for-the-electricity-industry.pdf
Interesting to see that they conclude that fuel poverty is significant and recommend:
- a literature review to draw together whether these problems exist elsewhere and how they are being dealt with,
- data collection to determine the true extent and nature of the problem here in New Zealand
- clarify problem from a public policy perspective and identify possible solutions.
A lot of this work has already been done. (see: http://www.eeca.govt.nz/news/research-household-energy-affordability and http://igps.victoria.ac.nz/publications/files/f7937a94644.pdf) I hope this doesn’t result in more duplication.
See also RNZ news item with the author of this report: http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/2585209