The Government is providing more funding to support families struggling to pay their energy bills

It follows an earlier announcement that the winter energy payment will be doubled.

Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods says household budgets have become tighter due to the impacts of covid 19.

So she's announced a 17 million dollar investment into establishing an energy hardship group, and an energy consumer advocacy council.

The funds will also go towards developing a network of community-level services to support households struggling with their energy payments.

She says all New Zealanders should be able to live in secure, healthy homes.