Western Bay of Plenty seniors support organisations are rejecting Winston Peters' plans to give a 10 per cent power discount to those aged over 65.

The discount would be incorporated as part of the benefits of the existing Super Gold Card.

Winston Peters.

Winston announced the New Zealand First policy at Grey Power's annual general meeting in Hamilton on Sunday.

Tauranga Age Concern chairperson Angela Scott says New Zealand cannot afford the scheme.

'We are aware that people do have problems with their electricity bills,” says Angela.

'In the present financial climate it's not a situation that's going to be available.”

Instead, Angela urges Western Bay of Plenty elderly to ensure their homes are properly insulated.

'People should look at having the most efficient heat and cooking systems.

'The difficulty is that people are scared of what the bill might be.

'They try not to use power, but we do need to keep homes sufficiently warmed so we keep in good health.”

Western Bay of Plenty Grey Power spokesperson Lynne Morrison says home heating is important.

'I support the idea of cheaper power, but I don't like Winston Peters,” says Lynne.

She was the only person in the organisation able to comment because president Doug Wilson was in hospital after a 'collapse” and vice president Brian Pitts resigned his position.

Winston told Grey Power delegates during the announcement of his proposed scheme that it would be based on the average annual units used by married couples and singles and be operating by winter 2012.

'Of course, we won't be paying to heat swimming pools or to run the family factory from grandma's place, but we believe that cold damp houses are a health risk to senior citizens.

'The cost of electricity has gone up at least 10 per cent since last winter and we hear too many reports of older people unable to afford power bills or are too scared to turn a heater on.”