The Government finally unveiled its plan to address issues impacting the energy sector, and it's prompted a mixed response.

The country's largest power companies have responded positively, and their shares have jumped on the NZX as a result.

Meanwhile, consumers and other businesses have voiced concerns this doesn't address the status quo.

Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy has criticised this announcement - and claimed this doesn't move the country forward at all.

"Let's remember - last year, one in five consumers had trouble paying their bill, 19 percent of people missed paying their bill on time, 56 percent of people are concerned about the price of energy. This does nothing to address that." 

EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald says this announcement is 'underwhelming' - and claimed it wouldn't stop the closure of any mills.

"It's too late for that, there's nothing really in there short-term that offers and kind of assistance for those people already in that spiral, they're looking at tough decisions to close or downsize." 

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