Submission
Which option do you prefer?
Option Two – The alternative option – Keep Aurora Energy
Further comment
Reticulation of electricity has become a core service like the provision of water, and the draining of sewage and storm water. Its (necessarily) monopolistic nature make it unsuitable for private sector control. Making a profit is Not, and should not be, its primary concern. Government regulation is not to be relied upon, if the demise of the Smokefree legislation is any guide!
An ugly example of privatization dates from the 1980s - Kiwirail was first 'bought' by the legal firm employed as consultants (and the conflict of interest ignored!), sold to overseas companies who merely extracted profit, and had to rescued by a later government.
An ODT article, 2 December 2022, listed the DCHL as going from $22.4m profit to $3.5m loss for the year. However, the DCHL Results at the end of the article do Not add up to the $3.5m loss, and Aurora Energy made a $7.7m profit! Given the nature of Aurora, I would not expect any huge uncertainty, but I Would expect Aurora to continue necessary repairs (and avoid another $5m fine!), some of which are past due.
The private sector has no business managing electricity reticulation. Years ago, DCC correctly opted to retain control when forced by government to choose between (the now) Aurora and Waipori hydroelectric. Please do not now betray that decision.
Supporting information
No associated documents with this submission.
Submitter
Submission id number: 1045648
Submitter name:
Jane-Maree Howard
Organisation
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