Speaking in Invercargill today the opposition leader said she wanted to get Rio Tinto, power companies and Transpower to "achieve a more cost competitive environment to save the plant."
“Our aim is to create a commercially viable outcome that would keep the smelter in operation for at least the next five years while preparing Southland to lessen the severity of the smelters hard-closure.
She understood the owners of the Manapouri Power Station, Meridian Energy, had offered a positive electricity price to Rio Tinto, based on Meridian’s potential losses of tens of millions of dollars a year if there is a drop-dead date for closure of the smelter.
"Based on this, we understand that a commercial deal could be reached."
However, the leader said National would also review transmission pricing.
“In exchange for this deal, we would require a plan from Rio Tinto for the clean-up of the site and dealing with the waste when it closes."
Government minister Grant Robertson was in Invercargill earlier this week when re reaffirmed it would not finance a bail out package.
The Labour MP however said negotiations are ongoing.
It has announced a transition support package last month.
