Source: Consumer NZ6 August 2026New 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. The consumer case for electricity reform (https://campaigns.consumer.org.nz/electricity-report#read-the-report), concludes that the electricity market is failing New Zealanders. Drawing on the report’s findings, Consumer has developed a four-point plan to lower power bills. 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 (https://campaigns.consumer.org.nz/end-high-power-prices-now) and tell the government you back our four-point plan,” says Duffy.