11 February, 2013
Electricity price change for Dunedin Mercury Energy has announced prices for its residential customers in Dunedin will increase by an average of 1.1 per cent from 1st April 2013. The small average bill increase is influenced by a distribution and transmission charge decrease of 0.9 per cent on total bill passed through from the local distribution company. The net effect on electricity bills for residential customers will be an average increase of approximately $2 per month. Distribution and transmission charges in Dunedin together account for about 35 per cent of a customer’s bill and are used to support the investment in and maintenance of lines and transmission infrastructure. The remaining 65 per cent of a customer’s bill is the energy charge which Mercury Energy determines and which pays for the electricity, metering and all other costs associated with supplying electricity to a customer. Prices and revenues for transmission and for most distribution companies are regulated under the Commerce Act, and the Commerce Commission approves maximum prices and revenues for them. Mercury Energy General Manager, James Munro, said: “While we have managed to keep the impact of our energy increase in Dunedin down to 2 per cent on the total bill, to meet general cost pressures in our retail business, the overall impact on customers’ bills is lower due to the regulated lines and transmission decrease this year. “Mercury Energy remains committed to providing our customers with great service and competitive prices for their energy supply.” ENDS For more information please contact: Mercury Energy Communications Team 027 210 5337