KEY POINTS:
The Canterbury Manufacturers Association claims the debate over who should pay to upgrade the Cook Strait power cable is disguising the real issues.
The cable, which transfers electricity between the South and North Islands, is now more than 40 years old.
CMA chief executive John Walley says the controversy over costs is more about wealth transfer than keeping the lights on. He says it is also drawing attention away from the fact that New Zealand's electricity system is facing serious problems.
The Electricity Commission has indicated the upgrade bill be met by Meridian Energy, but Mr Walley believes all generators should contribute because if they do not, the cost will be dumped back on the consumer in the form of line charges.
