New Zealanders are now more likely to name power bills as a financial concern than mortgage or rent payments, putting power costs second only to food and groceries. Drawing on the report’s findings, Consumer has developed a four-point plan to lower power bills. Consumer’s four-point plan to lower power billsEnd the dominance of the big four power companies – ensure separation of generation (making power) and retail (selling power) so smaller power companies can compete, which should lead to lower prices and more choice for consumers. Consumer has launched a petition, which closes in two weeks, calling on 100,000 people to back its four-point plan to bring down power prices. “If you agree it’s time for change, sign our petition and tell the government you back our four-point plan,” says Duffy.