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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