Submission
Which option do you prefer?
Option Two – The alternative option – Keep Aurora Energy
Further comment
The electricity network is basic infrastructure - it needs to be kept in public ownership and operated for the common good. We've seen the privatised Waipori become the "jewel in the crown" as a cash cow for the present owner (actual quote from a company engineer we talked to). Aurora maintenance was skimped due to DCC covering stadium debt, with tragic results - we need to think long-term, run it as a non-profit service and rebuild with high-quality components as an asset for the future.
I'd point out to Councillors that the option of "selling only to Otago investors" is as malicious as selling outright - only the well-off can afford to buy shares, so that would lead to even worse social inequity.
You can bet that a private service would increase prices (15% profit margin thank you) while maintenance would be for a short time frame (because in 20 years time equipment failures won't be that company's problem; it will have been bought out by another company).
And the electricity network is Otago-wide... if the DCC did sell Aurora then all Otago would pay the new owner for services, but the investment profits would only benefit Dunedin city.
Supporting information
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Submitter
Submission id number: 1038112
Submitter name:
J M Bruce
Organisation