Power bills falling, minister says

More than 30 per cent of households are getting lower power bills due to recently introduced government regulations, Energy Minister Trevor Mallard said today.

Last October, electricity companies were required to offer a low fixed charge tariff to low power users.

Mr Mallard said the regulations had been successful and urged people who don't use much electricity to check whether they qualified.

"Savings vary from region to region and depend on consumption levels, but customers on low fixed charge tariff options can expect to save an average of $25 to $96 per year," Mr Mallard said.

Low fixed charge rates used to be voluntary, but overall compliance was less than 50 per cent, since the regulations came into force most electricity companies now complied, Mr Mallard said.

- NZPA