Transpower will today decide whether it'll take the next big step in combatting the current power shortage.  

Spiking electricity prices have forced Winstone's central North Island pulp and sawmills to propose closing, with more than 200 jobs on the line. 

Transpower will make a decision on if generators can take more water from the hydro lakes - creating more power.  

Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord told Ryan Bridge he'd be surprised if they don't tap into them.  

He says we have this water set aside for emergencies, and there's no doubt the crisis we're in is anything but a critical issue for our communities. 

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