August 01, 2023
Power plans punish Māori
A University of Otago researcher says the poorest are paying the most for electricity – and Māori among the most affected.
Kimberley O’Sullivan says it’s common for suppliers to offer prepayment terms for people with a poor credit rating – and what they’re charged is more expensive than the cheapest billing plan.
She says Maori have less access to home ownership and higher quality homes.
“In all of my work I’ve generally found Maori have been at greater risk of experiencing energy poverty, energy hardship and have been more affected by he health risks associated with not being able to have enough energy at home to meet their needs,” she says.
Kimberley O’Sullivan says electricity should be a basic right for everyone as part of the right to a healthy home.