Greens demand price controls and disconnection ban before winter
Issued by Chlöe Swarbrick (Co-leader) and Scott Willis (Energy spokesperson)
What happened
On 11 May 2026, Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick and energy spokesperson Scott Willis called on the Government to use its majority shareholding in Meridian, Genesis and Mercury to require energy-hardship programmes, cap retail price increases at inflation (after recent 12% rises), and ban household disconnections for non-payment. They cite OECD advice that Crown shareholdings should prioritise secure and affordable supply over dividends. Data referenced: 65,000 more households can't afford adequate heating vs 2021; 100,000 households overall lack heating capacity.
What's at stake
- Who feels it
- ~100,000 NZ households lacking adequate home heating; all electricity consumers; gentailer boards (Meridian, Genesis, Mercury)
- Money in play
- After 12% retail price increases, Greens propose cap at inflation; OECD-cited dividend policy realignment
- Timing
- Demanded before winter 2026 — party position pending government response
- How it works
- Crown could direct majority-owned SOEs via shareholder instructions; some elements may require legislation
- Key context
- Direct counterpoint to the Coalition's gentailer hedge-contract reform (also tracked) — Greens want shareholder power used now, not market-structure changes in 2027.
- Wider effects
- Pressure on gentailer dividend yields, potential reduced Crown revenue. Energy-hardship support increases. Disconnection rates fall if implemented.
Who feels it
Source on record
https://www.greens.org.nz/greens_call_on_government_to_act_on_power_bills_before_winterTracked neutrally by LexNZ. Status reflects the primary source as of 27 May 2026. Not legal advice.
← Back to the tracker