Electricity generators are delivering "excess dividends" to their shareholders, at a cost to people, the planet and the green economy, according to a new report.
The study, co-authored by FIRST Union, NZCTU, and Three-Fifty Aotearoa, takes issue with what its authors say are excessive dividends being paid out to shareholders.
From 2014 to 2021, the study found, firms have collectively paid out three-point-seven billion dollars more in dividends to their shareholders than they earned in profits.
This is money that would be much better spent elsewhere, in areas such as environmental protection, says FIRST Union researcher Edward Miller.
He spoke to Corin Dann.