A clear majority of New Zealanders back government intervention in the energy sector if it would mean lower costs, a new poll shows.

In a survey of more than 1,000 people conducted by Curia for Octopus Energy and the Auckland Business Chamber, 62 per cent supported the Government underwriting the cost of new electricity generation to bring down prices.

That could begin with a long-term contract for new generation covering the Government’s own energy use.

Support also remained high for separating the generation and retail arms of the four gentailers, with 49 per cent saying it would improve competition, 20 per cent saying it would not, and 31 per cent unsure.

Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says the findings show Kiwis want bold action.

“Whether it’s the rising household bills, or the ongoing stories of major employers having to shut up shop, costing thousands of jobs, Kiwi businesses and households have had enough,” he says.

He warned that without decisive action the economy risks sliding further.

“If decisive action isn’t taken, what we’re going to see more and more is the economy going backwards – the current state of economic activity could be as good as it gets.”

The poll found 55 per cent of people were more concerned about their power bill than a year ago, while only 5 per cent were less concerned.

Power company profits were most often blamed for higher bills (29 per cent), followed by not enough competition (20 per cent), poor regulation (16 per cent) and inflation (13 per cent).

Curia’s polling took place between August 31 and September 2, with 700 phone interviews and 300 online panel responses.

Know something local worth sharing?

Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.