There are concerns that another rise in power bills could be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

The Commerce Commission is proposing increased revenue limits for Transpower and 16 local lines companies to help cover rising demands of the national grid.

Electric bills would increase by an average $15 a month from April and $5 a month over the following four years to cover maintenance.

Consumer Advocacy Council Chair Deborah Hart says all alternatives need to be weighed up before a decision is made.

She says costs are already too much for some with rising inflation and the phased removal of the low fixed user fees.

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There are concerns that another rise in power bills could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. 
The Commerce Commission is proposing increased revenue limits for Transpower and 16 local lines companies to help cover rising demands of the national grid. 
Electric bills would increase by an average $15 a month from April and $5 a month over the following four years to cover maintenance. 
Consumer Advocacy Council Chair Deborah Hart says all alternatives need to be weighed up before a decision is made. 
She says costs are already too much for some with rising inflation and the phased removal of the low fixed user fees. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Don't risk not knowing what's going around New Zealand and the world - catch up with interviews from Early Edition on Newstalk ZB.

Don't risk not knowing what's going around New Zealand and the world - catch up with interviews from Early Edition on Newstalk ZB.

Don't risk not knowing what's going around New Zealand and the world - catch up with interviews from Early Edition, hosted by Kate Hawkesby on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition on Newstalk ZB

Deborah Hart: Consumer Advocacy Council Chair on the potential problems with increasing power bills

Joe Biden and Donald Trump go live in Atlanta tomorrow afternoon, New Zealand time.

The televised US election debate is the earliest in the campaign since 1960, with Americans going to the polls in just over four months.

It's the third time the US President and the former President will go head to head after two heated encounters in 2020. 

The Spectator's Washington Editor Amber Athey  says the debates don't have as much sway on voters as most pundits would like to believe they do. 

She told Mike Hosking that this one will mostly be about showing who's physically and mentally fit to be President.

Athey says so long as you can get through it relatively successfully, not much will change where voters stand on the candidates.

LISTEN ABOVE

Joe Biden and Donald Trump go live in Atlanta tomorrow afternoon, New Zealand time. 
The televised US election debate is the earliest in the campaign since 1960, with Americans going to the polls in just over four months. 
It's the third time the US President and the former President will go head to head after two heated encounters in 2020.  
The Spectator's Washington Editor Amber Athey  says the debates don't have as much sway on voters as most pundits would like to believe they do.  
She told Mike Hosking that this one will mostly be about showing who's physically and mentally fit to be President. 
Athey says so long as you can get through it relatively successfully, not much will change where voters stand on the candidates. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Amber Athey: Spectator's Washington Editor on the upcoming debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump

Two astronauts are likely to remain stuck in space into July. 

Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams were supposed to return on the Boeing Starliner about two weeks ago after an eight day stint in space. 

US Correspondent Katherine Firkin told Mike Hosking that there have been several issues including malfunctioning thrusters and helium leaks. 

She says we're being told they have plenty of supplies, and worst case they can hitch a ride on Space X's Dragon Space Craft which is also attached to the International Space Station.

Firkin says it's not great news for Boeing, when it comes to their PR.

LISTEN ABOVE

Two astronauts are likely to remain stuck in space into July.  
Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams were supposed to return on the Boeing Starliner about two weeks ago after an eight day stint in space.  
US Correspondent Katherine Firkin told Mike Hosking that there have been several issues including malfunctioning thrusters and helium leaks.  
She says we're being told they have plenty of supplies, and worst case they can hitch a ride on Space X's Dragon Space Craft which is also attached to the International Space Station. 
Firkin says it's not great news for Boeing, when it comes to their PR. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent says Boeing's astronauts are likely to remain stuck in space into July

There’s uncertainty over whether Corrections has capacity, with more prisoners on the way. 

The Government's sentencing law reforms will mean longer sentences and up to 1700 more inmates every year. 

Corrections Association's Floyd du Plessis says the prisons are currently full, and while there are more beds in theory, they aren't adequately staffed for them yet. 

He told Mike Hosking that more applications are coming through for corrections roles, but the number of viable candidates isn't where it needs to be. 

du Plessis says there needs to be more focus on getting real people through the door and into employment.

LISTEN ABOVE

There’s uncertainty over whether Corrections has capacity, with more prisoners on the way.  
The Government's sentencing law reforms will mean longer sentences and up to 1700 more inmates every year.  
Corrections Association's Floyd du Plessis says the prisons are currently full, and while there are more beds in theory, they aren't adequately staffed for them yet.  
He told Mike Hosking that more applications are coming through for corrections roles, but the number of viable candidates isn't where it needs to be.  
du Plessis says there needs to be more focus on getting real people through the door and into employment. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Deborah Hart: Consumer Advocacy Council Chair on the potential problems with increasing power bills

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