Switch Off Over Easter

The Council of Trade Unions is asking union members to switch off lights, machinery, computers, air conditioning and heating at their workplaces for Easter. For those workers who go to work over the Easter break the message is - switch on only what you need.

"Where it is both practicable and safe we're encouraging workers to reduce electricity consumption in their own workplaces and support the effort to reduce power usage at home by 5%," said CTU Secretary, Paul Goulter today.

Paul Goulter said unions were very concerned about the effect of spikes in electricity prices which have seen firms suspend production.

"Unions want to see a better system developed to ensure reliable and affordable power for consumers, including industry," he said.

"But in the meantime there is an immediate problem for workers employed by firms using the spot market and affected by price spikes."

Paul Goulter said conserving power now could be vital to avoid ongoing spikes in price and also suspension of production by more firms during the coming months.

"The CTU is working with a range of groups including Business New Zealand to promote power savings," he said.

"At the same time, the CTU will continue to advocate reform of the current electricity market model."