It's winter, well and truly. My electricity bill arrived online this week, and I gasped out loud. While the number-crunchers debate the level of power price increases in New Zealand, the reality for the bill-payers is the price hikes continue.

Winter, by nature, requires extra electricity consumption with heating, longer nights, fewer outdoor barbecues, more crockpot meals; and in wet, cold weather, dryers and electric blankets.

Rising grocery and fuel bills mean winter is a time dreaded by many people on fixed incomes.

The consequence is families and elderly members of our community live in cold homes.

Cold homes result in increased asthma, respiratory infections and circulatory problems, with more trips to the doctor and pharmacy.

Not only is the cost of living rising, there are many people who've had no increase in income.

The Government blames the rise in line charges for increasing power costs.

However, we cannot ignore the fact all the power companies are now controlled by private interests, and these companies want to maximise profits for shareholders.

Nearly three-quarters of the price increase is due to the big energy companies bumping up their prices. Clearly, the competitive market is not working for the consumer.

NZ Power, the proposed Labour agency that will be a single buyer of wholesale electricity, will save Kiwi households hundreds of dollars yearly and will put a stop to future price increases. Less pain in the pocket, and better for our health.