Budget service sees rise in usage

Rotorua Budget Advisory Service public relations officer Pearl Pavitt

As temperatures plummet, increasing electricity bills are likely to impact on Rotorua's most vulnerable.

Rotorua Budget Advisory Service public relations officer Pearl Pavitt said there had been an increase in people using the free service.

"I think every year at around about this time there is an interest because the temperature is dropping, this time of the year and power goes up. I suppose the message is know your company, know how much power you are using and be aware of the things you can do to try to cut down the power costs."

Mrs Pavitt said there was a negative perception towards the service, but they were there to help.

"Partly what people need to do is to actually recognise that maybe they do have a problem.

"People's perception of going to a budget advice is they have to go, or that it's seen as a form of punishment or failure. We are more like money managers, but without the financial standing. We love for people to come and see us."

She said quick-fix finance options often left people caught in a vicious cycle. "We often notice an increase of people coming because of their power bills, they can't pay power, so they go borrow money at hideous finance rates and then you are stuck paying off which compromises your ability to buy food for four to six weeks.

"We are encouraging people to be aware of borrowing more to pay a bill on a one-off basis rather than seeking helpful advice which might put them on a different track."

Grey Power Rotorua president Rosemary MacKenzie said Grey Power Electricity could help the elderly save on their electricity bills.

"All I can suggest to people is they do their best to keep warm. The best investment they can make is some thermal underwear.

"We do have a special price on electricity and gas. People will be getting a better deal, some of them are saving quite considerable amounts of money, anything up to about $20 or $30 a month which does add up."

-To book an appointment with the Rotorua Budget Advisory Service call (07) 346 3236. For more information on Grey Power Electricity visit www.greypowerelectricity.co.nz or call (0800) 473 976.