A view it's unfortunate, but inevitable, that power bills are set to rise soon

Transpower and local lines companies have been given the green light for higher revenue increases - for more investment and maintenance - by the Commerce Commission.

It's estimated the average household energy bill will rise by around 10 dollars a month.

Powerswitch manager Paul Fuge says there are questions on why prices don't resemble the cost of production.

He says you can produce solar electricity at 11 cents a kilowatt an hour -- but buy it from the grid at 35 cents.