The power companies are rorting us
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8:30 am, November 15th, 2022 - 25 comments
Categories: assets, climate change, Economy, energy, Environment, global warming, Privatisation, privatisation, uncategorized -
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Over the years I have written a number of posts about the consequences of the great power company and Air New Zealand share selloff that National engaged in during its last term.
In my last post in January 2019 I calculated that the privatisation had cost New Zealand Inc the sum of $2.3 billion in lost dividends and the the shares that were sold were then worth $4.2 billion more than what we sold them for.
FIRST Union, NZCTU, and 350 Aotearoa have just released a joint report suggesting that the privatisations were not only disastrous for the country’s finances but also disastrous for the planet.
From the NZCTU website:
A new report co-authored by FIRST Union, NZCTU, and 350 Aotearoa argues that since the partial-privatisation of our electricity companies, the four big generator-retailers (“the gentailers”) have delivered billions in excess dividends to shareholders. Excess dividends are payments to shareholders in excess of the profits earned by the gentailers.
“From 2014 to 2021 these firms have collectively paid out $3.7 billion more in dividends to their shareholders than they have earned in profits – an average excess dividend of $459 million a year,” said FIRST Union Researcher and Policy Analyst Edward Miller.
“Excess dividend distribution has starved our electricity network of the investment needed to build new generating capacity, hiking prices on households in the midst of a cost of living crisis, and keeping coal and gas-powered generating assets on life support”, said Miller.
“In December 2020 the NZ Government declared a climate emergency, but we are yet to see the kind of urgent action required to match the scale of the threat”, said Miller.
“Private ownership of the electricity industry has lost us almost a decade of possible progress in the fight for a just transition to a low-emissions economy”.
Miller said the era of excess dividends must now end.
“As the largest gentailer shareholder, we’re calling on Government to propose resolutions at shareholder meetings that will channel profits into building new renewable generating capacity, and using any dividends to buy back the gentailer shares”, said Miller.
CTU Economist Craig Renney said “The government has recently acted on the banking sector, and on petrol companies to ensure that they are delivering better outcomes for New Zealanders. This report demonstrates that there is a pressing need to do this for the electricity sector as well.
New Zealand now generates more electricity through coal and gas than we did in 2018. Prices for customers are rising, but new renewable electricity generation that might tackle rising bills and our climate commitments has been missing in action”.
“If the Government wants to honour its commitment to a just transition, it needs to continue to be proactive in holding companies to account.”
The report also calls on the Government to commit the equivalent of its excess dividend into financing new community and household generation ($1.35 billion), and to levy a windfall tax on the gentailers for their remaining excess dividend ($2.36 billion).
350 Aotearoa Executive Director Alva Feldmeier said the Government had a crucial role to play in establishing a solution.
“We can’t expect the market to fix itself. The gentailers feel more accountable to their shareholders than to their consumers which is delivering neither fast emission reductions nor addressing the huge levels of power poverty in Aotearoa”.
Miller said “A majority of people opposed partial-privatisation in the 2013 asset sales referendum; ignoring those voices has come at great cost. It’s time for an electricity system that serves people and planet, not shareholders.”
The associated report contains the calculations behind the conclusions and for the purpose of its analysis includes Contact Energy which was privatised by a previous National Government in 1999 and excludes Air New Zealand.
The conclusions in the executive summary for the report are damning:
- From 2014 until 2021, the four big generator-retailer firms (the gentailers) have distributed $8.7 billion in dividends off only $5.35 billion earned in profits. Collectively, the gentailers have delivered $3.7 billion in excess dividends to shareholders over this period, averaging $459 million a year.
- The NZ Government is a major beneficiary of this, collecting$1.35 billion in excess dividends as part of the$3.75 billion collected from its 51 percent shareholding over this period. This is an average of $150 million per year.
- Systemic underinvestment in generating capacity has enabled excess dividend distribution, leaving New Zealand’s generating capacity practically flat over the last decade.
- Underinvestment in renewable generation enables high-cost high-emission fossil fuel electricity to set the prices for cheaper renewable electricity, dragging prices up across the market and bolstering profits.
- Excess dividend distribution’s impact is offset by a process of asset revaluations, itself the result of rising electricity prices. Asset revaluations now account for 56 percent of the value of fixed assets held by the three mixed ownership gentailers ($10.9 billion out of $19.6 billion)
Next time a National Party politician criticises the Government for Aotearoa still burning coal or for the high cost of electricity remind them that their sell off of the country’s electricity companies led directly to this situation.
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The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing back against policies that could lead to the destruction of its habitat and accelerate its extinction. ...1 week ago
- Building consents data bad news for construction
News that the annual number of building consents granted for new homes fell by more than 20 percent for the year ended July 2024, is bad news for the construction industry. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori Pay Tribute to Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII
Papā te whatitiri, hikohiko te uira, i kanapu ki te rangi, i whētuki i raro rā, rū ana te whenua e. Uea te pou o tōku whare kia tū tangata he kapua whakairi nāku nā runga o Taupiri. Ko taku kiri ka tōkia ki te anu mātao. E te iwi ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Gaps still to be addressed in callouts response
The Government must guarantee New Zealanders will not be at risk after making changes to the way mental health callouts are handled. ...2 weeks ago
- Poroporoaki: Kiingi Tuheitia passing
Haere e te Kīngi o te kotahitangi Haere ki o nui, ki o rahi I te pō ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party pays respects to Kiingi Tuuheitia
The Green Party is paying tribute to the Māori King, Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero XVII, after he passed away earlier this morning. ...2 weeks ago
- Potaka Brings Whakaata Māori to its Knees
Today’s Whakaata Māori announcement is yet another colossal failure from Minister Potaka, who has turned his back on te reo Māori, forcing a channel offline, putting whānau out of jobs, and cutting Māori content, says Te Pāti Māori. “A Senior Māori Minister has turned his back on Te Reo Māori. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National restricts access to disability care homes
With disability communities still reeling from the diminishing of Whaikaha, a leaked document now reveals another blow with National restricting access to residential care homes. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt must help save 230 manufacturing jobs
Labour is calling on the Government and Mercury Energy to find a solution to the proposed Winstone Pulp mill closure and save 230 manufacturing jobs. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt shirks its responsibility to Whakaata Māori
The Green Party has called out the Government for allowing Whakaata Māori to effectively collapse to a shell of its former self as job cuts and programming cuts were announced at the broadcaster today. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...2 weeks ago - Release: PM fails in constitutional role and leadership
The failure of the Prime Minister to condemn his Minister for personally attacking the judiciary is another example of this Government riding roughshod over important constitutional rules. ...2 weeks ago
- Waititi urges Rotorua Lakes Council to immediately stop works at Lake Rotokākahi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and Member of Parliament for Waiariki, which includes Rotorua, has written to Rotorua Lakes Councillors requesting they immediately stop sewerage piping works at Lake Rotokākahi in Rotorua. “Mana whenua have been urging Rotorua Lakes Council to stop works and look at alternative plans to protect the ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Patient care at risk from redundancies
Patient care could suffer as a result of further cuts to the health system, which could lose thousands of staff who keep our hospitals and clinics running. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Govt to wake up on child poverty
The Green Party says the latest statistics on child poverty in this country highlight the callous approach that the Government is taking on this issue of national shame. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Police are off the beat under National
Foot patrols around the country have decreased 15 percent since National took office, despite National’s Mark Mitchell claiming otherwise. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Climate denial is an insult to Pacific leaders
Winston Peters’ climate denialism at the Pacific Islands’ Forum is an embarrassing new low. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must end solitary confinement
The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. ...2 weeks ago
- Fossil fuels never the answer in climate crisis
The Government’s moves to enable the import of Liquefied Natural Gas is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that this country needs. ...2 weeks ago
- Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision
Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Uber court decision recognises workers’ rights
The Court of Appeal decision that Uber drivers are entitled to employee rights such as minimum wage, sick leave, holiday pay and collective bargaining is welcome news for the drivers involved and their unions. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls on Govt to divest from illegal settlements
The Labour Party is calling on the Government to tell the two major wealth funds, the NZ Super Fund and ACC, to withdraw investments from companies listed by the United Nations as complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt backtrack on fast-track still not enough
Labour welcomes news that the National Government is backing down on its reckless proposal to give Ministers final sign-off on significant projects, but it’s still not enough. ...2 weeks ago
- Fast track still on track to environmental destruction
Our environment remains at risk despite the Government's proposed changes to its controversial fast-track legislation. ...2 weeks ago
- Ohinemuri River pollution highlights mining risks
The harrowing images of the severely polluted Ohinemuri River caused by an old mining shaft could become a more common occurrence under the mining regime the Government is looking to roll out. ...2 weeks ago
- Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses
Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...2 hours ago - Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test
More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...3 hours ago
- Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction
Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...5 hours ago
- Māori Education Advisory Group established
The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...5 hours ago
- First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight
Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...6 hours ago
- Have your say on suicide prevention
Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...7 hours ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...1 day ago
- Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...1 day ago
- Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris. “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...1 day ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...4 days ago
- Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...4 days ago
- New appointments to the FMA board
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...4 days ago
- District Court judges appointed
Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...4 days ago
- Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender
New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...5 days ago
- Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...5 days ago
- Improving access to finance for Kiwis
5 September 2024 The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...5 days ago
- Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...5 days ago
- Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations. “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...5 days ago
- More choice and competition in building products
A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...5 days ago
- Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul
On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...6 days ago
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...6 days ago
- International tourism continuing to bounce back
Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...6 days ago
- Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency
The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “That is ...6 days ago
- Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape
The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...6 days ago
- Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...6 days ago
- Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review
Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...6 days ago
- Government backs women in horticulture
“The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...6 days ago
- Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout
The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...1 week ago
- Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants. “This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and ...1 week ago
- New priorities to protect future of conservation
Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...1 week ago
- Faster 110km/h speed limit to accelerate Kāpiti
A new 110km/h speed limit for the Kāpiti Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) has been approved to reduce travel times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Wellington, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. ...1 week ago
- IVL increase to ensure visitors contribute more to New Zealand
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka say. “The Government is serious about enabling the tourism sector ...1 week ago
- Delivering priority connections for the West Coast
A record $255 million for transport investment on the West Coast through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s road and rail links to keep people connected and support the region’s economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government is committed to making sure that every ...1 week ago
- Road and rail reliability a focus for Wellington
A record $3.3 billion of transport investment in Greater Wellington through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will increase productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. We're focused on delivering transport projects ...1 week ago
- Record investment to boost economic and housing growth in the Waikato
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Waikato through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more efficient, safe, and resilient roading network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With almost a third of the country’s freight travelling into, out ...1 week ago
- Building reliable and efficient roading for Taranaki
A record $808 million for transport investment in Taranaki through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Taranaki’s roads carry a high volume of freight from primary industries and it’s critical we maintain efficient connections across the region to ...1 week ago
- Supporting growth and resilience in Otago and Southland
A record $1.4 billion for transport investment in Otago and Southland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more resilient and efficient network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in Otago ...1 week ago
- Delivering connected and resilient roading for Northland
A record $991 million for transport investment in Northland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s connections and support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that every transport dollar is spent wisely on the projects and ...1 week ago
- Top of the South to benefit from reliable transport infrastructure
A record $479 million for transport investment across the top of the South Island through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will build a stronger road network that supports primary industries and grows the economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We’re committed to making sure that every dollar is ...1 week ago
- The documentary Killjoy captures the personal and the political of family violence and gender activi...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Crozier-De Rosa, Professor in History, University of Wollongong Stan At 16, Kathryn Joy applied for a passport. To do this, they had to obtain their mother’s death certificate. After growing up in a house in which their father had killed ...46 mins ago - James Earl Jones has died – but as the voice of Darth Vader, he will live forever
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Golding, Associate Professor, Swinburne University of Technology It is difficult to imagine a world of pop culture villains without Darth Vader. The masked and cloaked figure now casts perhaps the longest shadow of any film character on popular culture. When Vader ...46 mins ago
- ‘There’s coal and there’s coal’ – Climate Minister defends opening up ...
"The coal we produce in New Zealand, in the South Island, isn't used to be burned at Huntly - it's used to put in your mobile phone that's right in front of you," Simon Watts says. ...52 mins ago - Gang, gun law changes ‘absolutely’ followed process – Luxon
The opposition is criticisng the government over two last-minute changes to legislation being added with little or no consultation. ...2 hours ago
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Analysis - The transport minister's claim is not backed up by the facts, a survey shows. ...2 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mary Bushell, Clinical Associate Professor in Pharmacy, University of Canberra Ron Lach/Pexels Have you ever been instructed to take your medicine with food and wondered why? Perhaps you’ve wondered if you really need to? There are varied reasons, and sometimes complex ...2 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Crawley, Teaching Fellow, School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Many more New Zealanders now choose to get around by bike than a few years ago. A Ministry ...3 hours ago
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- Health Minister assured services safe at Rotorua ED despite patient death
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- New research suggests concussion risks can be outweighed by the benefits of playing sport
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Takeout Kids returns for season two. Meet Phitcha, of Akaroa’s La Thai Restaurant. Building on the success of its 2022 launch, Takeout Kids returns for a second season, following five tamariki and rangatahi growing up in the small businesses owned by their immigrant families. The latest season features ...4 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caitlyn Forster, Associate Lecturer, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney Boris Smokrovic / Unsplash If you’ve spent much time outdoors along the east coast of Australia in the past week, particularly near waterways, you’ve probably seen something quite ...7 hours ago
- Warm winters are waking snakes early. Here’s what that means for them and us
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Damian Lettoof, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Wildlife Ecotoxicology, CSIRO Chris Jolly For people in southeast Australia, springtime means soaking up the sun and getting our vitamin D levels back to baseline. But we’re not the only ones likely to be basking. ...7 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Treena Clark, Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow, Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney Larissa Behrendt (right) in a still from the film Jindalee Lady. Tracey Schramm, Author provided Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article ...7 hours ago
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Cabinet has agreed on the outline of the Treaty Principles Bill that will be introduced to Parliament, with a change to include specific acknowledgement of the rights of hapū and iwi. ...8 hours ago
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Quite frankly, our high level of hydro dams (built to a high standard over the past venture) should mean that the level of power prices should be similar to that of gas prices in Turkmenistan. Zero.
We should be looking to abundance, not scarcity. Our power prices should reflect that. The money men need to be thrown out
Any comment from the Nats? Something about the free market and tough times for the poor power companies? Anything?
I have heard from some right-wing types that there is insufficient regulation in controlling the prices.
It is a quasi-monopoly anyway.
Of course it is. All power generation and transport infrastructure is some form of monopoly economically. However the problem isn’t with the pricing. If you read the post, it shows that the dividends being paid to shareholders are larger than their profits.
Basically the post shows that the gentailers are mining the previous asset values in infrastructure to generate excessive dividends to shareholders. They aren’t investing in the new capacity that their customers need now and into the future. For basic things like having the capacity to power electric vehicles or to make green hydrogen (if that ever gets safe enough to use).
For the last 3 decades there has been limited investment into the infrastructure relative to the value of the infrastructure to maintain it. Effectively the grid and generation is being run down for dividends.
The simplest short-term solution would be to just raise the costs to the power generator companies to transport the power over the grid to about 2-4x the current take from Transpower. That will allow the grid to be actually upgraded rather than patched to stop it failing.
We should have had the high capacity lines from Manapouri to upper South Island decades ago. It is ridiculous that the upper SI imports power from the North Island through a lot of the winters. While we need more lines across the Cook Strait to handle extremes, it shouldn’t be something that should encouraged as being normal. It becomes a single point of failure in a tectonically unstable region.
Raising the transport charges would also allow Transpower to subsidise new generation initiatives as the cost of connecting to the grid is considerable. Reduce the cost of new generation capacity and the profitability incentives change.
Set a plan to drop short-term (~5 years) to outlaw power generation by coal. And a longer term (decades) to do the same for gas.
I’d also dump the electricity market as well simply because that is increasingly looking like a manipulative system for rorting artificial shortages.
Alternatively just put an absolute upper limit on the spot prices, with a capacity for the electricity commission to demand capacity from hydro at a fixed prices when capacity shortages (and large fines for any generator who doesn’t comply immediately).
The risk for insufficient capacity and transfer needs to get dropped on to the generators rather than consumers, business or public.
FFS: When was that last hydro system put into NZ? 2013 were the last commissioning. Basically they stopped after National removed the incentives to start making them when they sold off the gentailers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_power_stations_in_New_Zealand#Hydroelectric
And could we please get rid of the smelter or at the very least raise their power price to something similar to what NZ businesses pay.
"When was that last hydro system"?
Meridian tried to build one about 10 years ago. Of course the Green Party opposed it and got Dunne to support them. Can't have Hydro stations you know. They might bother some fish who currently live in a river, or affect some scenery, or snails, that no one ever visits.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/west-coast-hydro-scheme-approval-upsets-govt-ally/LS5FEFARCUS73PDSE7DIO26SKQ/
Meridian ended up scrapping the proposal, as they also had had to do with Project Aqua on the Waitaki and a wind farm project in Central Otago.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/meridian-axes-mokihinui-dam/TYXMTGM3B6NVBDC2WQNHVJYE3I/
Something has gone wrong with my reading/brain….I keep seeing gentitalia and not gentailer. I'd better come back later as it is not going to make much sense with this reading!
Actual genitalia, or just the word?
Just the word thankfully but even the word makes a strange read.
It has passed now as I am consciously reading gentailers now. I may even have enough of my wits about me to comment on gentailers.
I have been sad that this crock that is the electricity system has not been tackled by this Labour Govt. Though it will be difficult because the whole system is tied down tight, by interlocking relationships. Possibly one of the more immovable monuments to neo lib we have.
The profits and taxes from the 100% Government monopoly,are used for general use rather then reinvested in the grid (where it uses debt ) over 750m under this government.
Go round transmission is nearly complete joining the Clutha and Waitaki transmission systems with duplex.Upper south is supplied most nights when sufficient wind is generated to sustain hydro levels,
Top of the South especially Tasman needs more local distributed generation as they already pay over 10$mwh extra for transmission.CS cables is in the capital plan ( big $$$$$) .
There is also a project from the Wairakei with go round power and interconnections to duplicate supply North.A full electric project to meet the Governments aspirational goals by 2030 ( can only reach 98% renewable) will cost 11b$ for transmission,and 11b$ on distribution with additional costs going forward as Liquid fuels are substituted.This does not include generations costs.
Real time pricing (with supply/demand smoothing) has reduced window blocks to 5 minutes from 30, has been in place since the 1st November,and reduces pricing risks from wind forecasts (with a probability 90%)
Interesting. I wasn't aware of the cross connections being that close. I also need to look at the wind power reliability for the SI.
In the NI the effective baseload is now geothermal which has no storage. The mix is quite different.
I will have another look at your comment on the weekend.
Wind power comes south (hvdc) where it reduces both water and transmission loss.
Two wind projects to be activated in South island (planning and finance approved)
Hydro NI is mostly run of river,there needs to be more generation capacity north of auckland, some with battery storage for marsden point,and a good use of existing transmission with refinery closed.
There are proposed solutions:
https://www.greens.org.nz/fix_electricity_market_to_help_both_climate_and_cost_of_living
Have they been ruled out yet?
Power generation and supply needs to be returned to full public ownership and control. Any compensation should depend on the bludging Gentailers pissing off very quietly indeed.
Hydro power was built with public money, along with NZers labour and skills. It is a travesty that some working class people could not heat their homes adequately in 2022.
“Winter Energy” transfers like WFF transfers from other taxpayers show the neo liberal emperor wears ripped jeans.
One of the greatest dissapointments of Jacinda's govt is that fact that they are/were too soft on the power companies. Corporate greed in this country is too far embedded.
Aye
Gotta agree there. It's hard not to think that govts just see their populations as a captive pool of mugs, whom they provide to the 'market' monsters to be rorted.
Yes definitely renationalise the generators.
They do not deserve any compensation as their whole rort is based upon asset returns.
They didn't have any assets until the public of NZ gave them to them. So all of those returns should belong to the public for further investment.
I've gone back to reading Bruce Jesson's 'Only Their Purpose is Mad' from 1999, where he and Alliance colleagues successfully resisted (for the most part) privatisation.
He goes through the bureaucratic ideological capture, political capture, commercial fee capture, and legal capture of the proposed liquidation of Auckland's assets.
And here we are with Mayor Brown 2 decades later spouting the same nonsense, preparing to do the same.
There is a significant use of selective statistics in this spiel,by changing time series for selective quotes.
FF (including oil) generation reduced from 2014-2021 by 707 gwh.
Residential customers in real terms (including gst.)
2014 the energy cost (incl levys) was 19.07 c kwh,
2022 the energy cost (inc levy) is 18.62 c kwh
The energy cost is the generation,regulator levy,retailers margin.
The remainder of the bill is transmission and distribution.
Both generation and consumption are flatlined since 2014.
Dividends in excess of profits with no investment in the business year on year is wreckless.
I'm sure that nice Mr key has an explanation for it mickey. As the party of fiscal responsibility I'm sure they'll want to respond as to why it's not their fault.
It should be simple enough to legislate that dividends can be no more than 30% of profit.
I'd rather see it renationalised. Pay the share holders the equivalent of the original price less the excess dividends they have received.
The power companies are rorting us.
The banks are rorting us.
The supermarkets are rorting us.
Welcome to neoliberalism.
You can add pharma to that list
I think I read somewhere that some of the cool free trade agreements clauses work to prevent regulation. We are beyond making decisions just to suit ourselves. Anyone else know about that? Is it true?
So I take it that there is currently no carbon offsetting system specific to the electricity industry?