How the Emissions Trading Scheme affects you

The Government has introduced the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) as part of a range of measures to try to reduce New Zealand's total greenhouse gas emissions. As a result there will be increases to electricity, natural gas and LPG prices from 1 July 2010.

How will this impact energy pricing?

The price increases will apply to the variable part of your bill - which reflects the actual amount of electricity and/or gas you use. Electricity prices will increase by 0.77 cents per kilowatt hour and gas prices will increase by 0.27 cents per kilowatt hour. These increases exclude GST and are prior to the application of your prompt payment discount.

For an average residential customer using 8,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year and 8,000 kilowatt hours of natural gas per year, this would mean an increase of $5.31 for electricity (3.2%) and $1.86 (2.2%) for gas per month (including GST and after a 10% prompt payment discount).

How can I find out more?

For more information about the Emissions Trading Scheme visit www.climatechange.govt.nz.

For ways to manage your energy costs click here.