With the onset of winter comes the added expense of higher power bills, putting the pinch on everyone's budgets including the elderly.
This year, however, the burden is set to be eased with the Government's new winter energy payment to help people on a New Zealand superannuation or a veteran's pension to heat their homes.
The payments won't start until July 1, meaning in its first year those eligible will not receive the full annual amount, but from next year payments would be made in full from May 1 to September 30, amounting to $700 for married couples and $416 for a single person.
The money was not means-tested and was also to be paid to people under 65 on a "main benefit".
Hastings and Districts Grey Power president Ron Wilkins said while it was disappointing the full amount would not be available this year, it was good to be getting something.