Prime Minister Mark Brown has now confirmed that electricity provider Te Aponga Uira’s power bill discount scheme for households and eligible businesses will continue throughout the month of June, albeit at a reduced rate.

The Te Aponga Uira board has now approved a new June discount rate of up to $30 off every domestic household power bill and 30 per cent off the bills of all commercial customers who are currently registered with the Ministry of Finance & Economic Management as being eligible to receive support.

The new discount rates will be applied to power meter readings from 8 June 2021 and continue until June 30, at which time it is expected that the power bill discount scheme will come to an end.

Te Aponga Uira CEO Lesley Katoa would like to stress however that even after June 30 any customers experiencing financial hardship are always welcome at the TAU office to discuss possible alternative payment options.

“Our TAU staff are more than happy to meet with any customer who may need assistance in managing their bill and this has always been our policy,” said Katoa.

“Communication is key, so if you are unsure about your ability to continue paying your power bill on time, come into the office. The sooner you come in and talk to us about it the sooner we can put together a solution. We are here to help.”

This latest electricity discount from Te Aponga Uira has been formalised by the Te Aponga Uira Board of Directors in conjunction with Cook Islands Investment Corporation and the Cook Islands government.

Te Aponga Uira has supported the government’s Economic Response Plan assistance program through the electricity discount scheme since March 2020 now and during that time the scheme has saved Rarotonga households and businesses more than $11 million.

“The assistance offered to Rarotonga households and businesses by Te Aponga Uira during this difficult period has been nothing short of tremendous,” said Cook Islands Investment Corporation Chair Michael Henry.

“The power bill discount scheme is a perfect example of how the Cook Islands Investment Corporation and its State-Owned Enterprises have been able to help support the nation through these trying times” Mr Henry concluded.

(Source: Cook Islands Investment Corporation/03-06-21)