Labour releases energy policy

Labour will continue to focus on clean affordable energy during a third term in government, Prime Minister Helen Clark says.

Releasing the party's energy policy today -- mostly a continuation of already existing initiatives -- Helen Clark said the goal was to have New Zealanders living in affordable warm, healthy, energy-efficient homes.

"Affordability and efficiency go hand in hand -- saving energy saves money.

"By taking practical steps to reduce energy demand Labour will reduce the pressures on New Zealand's energy generation infrastructure and reduce costs across the board."

In a third term Labour would investigate a subsidy scheme to help homeowners switch to cleaner sources of home heating, she said.

It would also raise the required level of insulation for new buildings and encourage the use of passive solar design and solar hot water systems.

Labour would also look to boost energy generation.

Where possible it would achieve this through the development of renewable sources such as solar and wind power.

Energy Minister Trevor Mallard said Labour would also ensure energy costs remained fair by continuing to insist power retailers gave customers a low-user fixed daily charge tariff option.

- NZPA