Charles' power bill - one cent

LAUGHABLE: Masterton pensioner and fisherman Charles Brace can't believe he was sent a power bill for one cent. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

When Charles Brace opened his latest power bill he burst into laughter as he read a demand for a one cent payment.

Considering most recent stories regarding power charges had been about extremely high bills some financially struggling Masterton customers had received, his bill was comical, Mr Brace said.

The bill from Genesis Energy shows, with his 10 per cent discount for prompt payment of his previous power demand, he only owed one cent to the company.

"It's just a waste of time sending out a bill ... the stamp to post the bill would have cost more. It's stupid and makes the company look an imbecile. It was a good laugh though. It's just a big company wasting money," he said.

He wonders if he will get a penalty for late payment.

"You can't pay a one cent bill. It's not even money today."

Keeping on top of his bill through direct debit has resulted in the pensioner's low bill.

"I keep on top of it because I'm all over the place exploring Masterton and fishing. We have a bach at Ngawi and another at 90 Mile Beach. I love fishing."

Meanwhile, he can't understand why the Government is selling off power companies.

"How can the Government sell off a product that the New Zealand taxpayer owned in the first place? ... I feel for people who get high power bills."

Meanwhile, Genesis Energy media advisor Richard Gordon said they had 670,000 accounts sent out every month and it was difficult to weed out bills like Mr Brace's as they were computer-generated bills.

"It is a bit odd. It must be a mistake. It shouldn't have got through but it's hard to pick them up. It's a bit silly and an oddity."