National has finally discovered renewable energy, but on its own their solar plan won’t help the very New Zealanders who most need help with their power bills.

“Solar is the future and an important part of our energy security, so anything that makes it easier and cheaper to install is welcome," Labour Energy spokesperson Megan Woods said.

“The scheme put together by Rewiring Aotearoa and Local Government is great if you already own your home, but there’s no guarantee it will help renters and families who are struggling with their power bills right now.

“This is a positive scheme and we are supportive of it but on its own it is not enough to reach the large number of households who are struggling with their power bills.

“Christopher Luxon’s Government has left New Zealanders facing higher power prices and ongoing energy uncertainty.

“National has been focussed on reopening offshore oil and gas exploration and promoting imported LNG, to manage energy shortages.

“National promised cheaper and more secure power. Households and businesses are now facing rising electricity prices, ongoing concerns about security of supply, and repeated warnings about dry-year shortages.

“Now with an election approaching, they’re trying to present a different vision. They could have done this years ago. Instead, they made cuts to Warmer Kiwi Homes and backed fossil fuels at every turn.

“If they were serious about cheaper power they wouldn't have spent three years betting against renewables.

“Labour has and will always back renewable energy while National has spent three years making New Zealand's energy problems worse," Megan Woods said.