The Mayor of the Ruapehu District wants the Government to step in to save two businesses facing closure. 

Hundreds of jobs are on the line - with the Kariori pulpmill and Tangiwai sawmill both under pressure, as energy costs have gone up significantly in recent years. 

A meeting on the fate of hundreds of workers is expected tomorrow. 

Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton told Ryan Bridge this is not a new issue - as Tiwai Point was bailed out. 

He says the Government can cap electricity prices to allow the mills to get over the line  until the issue evens out. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• Auckland pulp mill proposes closure amid rising power costs