A Sapere report into the proposed LNG terminal backs what Labour has been saying all along - that importing LNG is a costly, rushed plan that will hit every Kiwi household without solving the ‘dry year’ problem.

“This report confirms what we’ve been saying. The Government’s knee jerk reaction to waning gas supplies is excessive and rushed, and rules out viable alternatives,” Labour energy spokesperson Dr Megan Woods said.

“The current fuel crisis shows exactly why locking New Zealand into more fossil fuels is a bad idea. It won’t bring down power bills for homes or businesses.

“Every New Zealander will pay to build a facility exposed to volatile global gas prices. That’s not how you make electricity cheaper, but that’s exactly what Christopher Luxon is doing.

“Reversing the oil and gas exploration ban will not fix anything either. No gas has been found in decades.

“The LNG facility will cost billions of dollars, may never be used, and will be paid for by households on their power bills whether they use gas or not.

“Investing in affordable, renewable energy generated right here in New Zealand will lower power bills, and build our future,” Megan Woods said.