Electricity and those on low incomes

"Nations will be judged by how they treat the most vulnerable."  Churchill

Written Information from colleagues and papers
Canterbury District Health Board, July 2003 states that below 16C there is increased risk of respiratory illness; below 12C an increased risk of heart attack or stroke and below 9C risk of hypothermia.   They conclude about 'saving lives'.
ChCh Press 12th July 2003 (Keri Welham).  Dr Gay Keating -Director of Public Health Association says 'a cold house increases the risks of infections --and for people who have existing illnesses such as kidney failure and heart failure it can tip them to people who need hospital care and may even cause death'.  Dr Keating also comments people who are struggling to pay bills are paying 90% of their income on two things -rent and food -little is left for electricity and keeping warm.
In the same article Dr Nigel Millar Chief medical officer for Canterbury Health says 'when there is a cold snap there is an increase in overall mortality'
Health & Housing NZ  1993.  Isaacs and Don have proved that NZ is the only country in the world where there is a seasonal fluctuation in mortality.  In Finland or UK there is little difference in percentage mortality for winter or summer.  In NZ death rates show a spike over winter.

Possible Solution
Those vulnerable members of our community (eg war veterans, babies) who have health risks and need to keep warm and are on a low income can access a seasonal heating allowance of $10pw that is paid direct to their power company.   Ironically we recognise health needs with flu vaccinations -unfortunately evidence above would suggest that by being cold many are still vulnerable.  
The assistance period is set over the coldest months as determined by Order in Council.   As some areas are warmer/colder than others the assistance can be limited geographically and seasonally.  Precedents are already set where there is a geographical differentiation in higher accommodation supplement in Auckland.   To save money suggest they use NIWA figures on internet for climate summaries.  Take the average monthly temperature away from 15 degrees and multiply by number of days with ground frost.  Any geographical area with a figure of 100+ qualifies for allowance for that month. 

The Savings
The purpose is to keep those vulnerable with health issues warm and have improved quality of life.  Ironically the evidence above may mean the allowance is self funding because of lessened strokes, heart attacks, hypothermia etc.   With 50 people in Canterbury staying on average 5 nights at $1,000 per night would fund 1,250 households for 20 weeks at $10pw
Evidence would indicate a warmer home would entail less visits to GP's and resultant medication.  As the allowance would benefit a whole household the $200 allowance could be less than fees for medicines.

Disability Allowance
This is usually paid for historical expenses (eg proof of past medical bills) and is an annual allowance but paid direct to person fortnightly.  The heating allowance has geographical and seasonal parameters and will be paid direct to the power company.  While this could be seen as paternalistic it is administratively easier, is targeted, is non transferable and has the best chance of ensuring vulnerable people are kept warm.  It also alerts power companies those with health needs but also provides a small guaranteed payment.