The government is going to hold an inquiry into electricity retail prices to find out whether they are fair.
According to the International Energy Authority, prices here have risen much faster than in other countries.
Energy Minister Megan Woods has told TVNZ she wants to know whether the prices are fair, whether the market is competitive and properly regulated, and whether companies are ready for new technology.
"In terms of the International Energy countries, New Zealanders are paying some of the highest retail prices and we have seen since 2000 a 50 per cent increase in real terms," she said.
Woods expects to have the inquiry report by early next year.
