Electricity Distribution Business (EDB) WEL Networks welcomes the Electricity Authority's (EA) decision to approve a further amendment to WEL's generation cap, increasing maximum capacity to 101 megawatts.

This increase further supports the WEL Group's plans (that includes NewPower Energy), for new generation assets beyond the original 66 megawatt exemption granted under Part 6A of the Electricity Industry Participation Code in October 2024.

"For the long-term benefit of consumers and to help meet New Zealand's decarbonisation goals, more investment in network-level generation and storage is needed now," said WEL Networks Chief Executive, Garth Dibley.

"We continue to experience rapid growth in electricity demand and we're also seeing more businesses and households switching from gas to electricity, so we welcome this latest amendment to our generation cap by the EA.

"It also means we can create greater resilience in our network in the most cost-effective way and that's increasingly important given the responsibility on EDB's to manage the operation and maintenance of local networks."

The WEL Group has been putting the generation cap increases into play through the construction of solar farms and battery energy storage systems, with more such infrastructure now possible.

To meet the country's decarbonisation goals, renewable generation capacity must increase by 400-500 megawatts every year until 2050.

"We're proud to be part of the transition to a more sustainable energy future," added Garth Dibley.

Switchboards and Control Panels: The Backbone of Safe, Reliable Power in NZ’s Infrastructure

Switchboards and control panels are the backbone of modern electrical infrastructure, distributing power safely and efficiently across industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and critical public networks. In New Zealand’s energy sector, their performance directly impacts the reliability of the wider infrastructure. Every major facility – from hospitals to transport hubs – depends on robust switchboards to manage electricity flow without incident.

Standards and Compliance

All new low-voltage switchboards in New Zealand must now comply with AS/NZS 61439, which replaced the older AS/NZS 3439 in 2021. This internationalised standard sets strict requirements for design verification, ensuring that boards are tested or assessed against 13 critical criteria such as short-circuit withstand, temperature rise, and mechanical strength.

The change closed long-standing safety gaps, placing clear accountability on manufacturers to deliver assemblies that are fully type-tested or rigorously verified. This is a major shift for industry practice, reducing the risk of failures that in the past had caused fires and injuries.

Safety and Resilience

Switchboards handle concentrated electrical energy, so failure can be catastrophic. AS/NZS 61439 includes arc-fault containment provisions that require enclosures to safely contain extreme faults without ejecting parts or igniting fires. Modern boards also incorporate arc detection sensors and ultra-fast breakers, cutting fault energy within milliseconds.

Thermal performance is another key requirement. Limiting conductor temperatures reduces fire risk and improves equipment lifespan. Well-designed boards run cooler and more efficiently – vital for facilities that must operate continuously.

Efficiency and Adaptability

Beyond safety, today’s switchboards are expected to be efficient and adaptable. Many now feature digital metering and connectivity, allowing operators to monitor loads, improve power quality, and prevent downtime through predictive maintenance.

With New Zealand transitioning to renewable energy and electrification, boards must also handle bi-directional power flows from solar, batteries, and EV chargers. Recent standards updates, including AS/NZS 4777.1:2024, place new limits on inverter connections, ensuring clarity and safety in distributed energy systems.

Local Capability

Infrastructure projects increasingly rely on local expertise to deliver compliant, tailored solutions. Core Switchboards, based in Auckland, is one of the firms building NZ-made switchboards to AS/NZS 61439 standards. Their projects range from a 28,780 sqm warehouse fit-out in Māngere – requiring type-tested switchboards up to 2500 A – to the Massey University Innovation Complex, where ten custom boards were supplied for critical research facilities.

Such projects illustrate how customised, compliant switchboards are essential to powering modern infrastructure safely and efficiently.

Switchboards may be hidden from view, but they are mission-critical to New Zealand’s infrastructure resilience. By enforcing AS/NZS 61439 and integrating best practices in safety, efficiency, and renewable readiness, the industry is ensuring that these assemblies can meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s energy challenges.

For infrastructure professionals, the focus is clear: safe, reliable, and efficient switchboards are not just components – they are the backbone of a modern, resilient energy system.

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko says proposed changes to simplify electricity bills will make it easier for consumers to find the right plan for them and pay less for power.

The Authority is asking for feedback on changes to give people more choice, more control and better value on their electricity.

"Everyone should have access to affordable electricity," says Electricity Authority Chief Executive Sarah Gillies. "We want every New Zealander to know if they’re on the best plan for them, and be able to easily compare their plan and switch power companies."

The changes proposed in Improving electricity billing in New Zealand would provide people with the information they need to easily compare and switch plans, and lay the foundations for future smart services. The proposed changes would make bills consistent, easy to read and more useful to consumers.

Importantly, power companies would also be required to check in with their customers every six months and advise if there’s a better plan for them based on their use. Customers trialling time-of-use plans would be better protected as the changes would introduce a review after three months with the option to return to their old plan - or switch to a better one - if they’re not saving money. Any penalty for changing plans with the same provider would be removed.

Back bills, or catch-up bills, which can cause ‘bill shock’, would also be limited by capping how far back retailers can charge. This protection would also be extended to small businesses.

"A large, unexpected bill can be a real shock on budgets and stress levels, especially for those already under financial pressure. As well as consumers facing energy hardship, we’re acutely aware that many small businesses are also doing it tough. We want to protect consumers and small businesses from those sudden and unmanageable costs," Gillies said.

A lack of standardised data has been a barrier to helping consumers access the best plan for them. Following consultation, the Authority has decided to replace voluntary Electricity Information Exchange Protocol 14 (EIEP14) with a regulated, modular suite of new protocols. The Authority also proposes a new system that assigns a unique code to every retail electricity plan, so they can be easily compared.

"Bills should not be confusing, and you shouldn’t have to be an energy expert to get the best deal. Whether you’re hands-on or hands-off, you’ll benefit from a more transparent and consumer-focused electricity system," Gillies said.

We welcome your feedback on Improving electricity billing in New Zealand proposal by 5pm, 5 November and the Proposed Code amendments to improve access to electricity product data proposal by 5pm, 18 November.

A simplified version of the billing proposal is available also here. 
 

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority) wants to remove barriers so more electricity from small-scale solar, wind and solar farms, and other distributed generation can power the country.

Distributed generation - including solar and battery systems installed in homes and businesses - is on the rise, supporting the national electricity grid that runs the length of the country.

We need to maximise the value of these clean, cheap and localised energy sources to strengthen the electricity system, boost resilience in communities, and lower costs for all New Zealanders in the long run.

The Authority is now seeking feedback on proposed rule changes to increase the amount of electricity distributed generators can supply to networks at any given time.

Authority General Manager Networks and System Change, Tim Sparks, says under the current industry rules, lines companies have wide discretion to set limits on the amount of electricity that can be supplied - or ‘exported’ - to their networks.

"Export limits are an important way for lines companies to stop their networks from being overloaded. The limits also keep the power quality consistent, which protects the network equipment, and ensures a consistent and reliable supply of electricity," Sparks said.

"However, some rules are outdated, and we need to keep up with the pace of change by setting export limits that benefit consumers.

"Our concern is that low export limits are an inefficient use of electricity. This electricity could be put to better use by supporting the wider network and benefitting all New Zealanders.

"Currently, most lines companies use a 5kW export limit for residential solar on homes and businesses. However, at least one lines company has recently increased its limit to 10kW, and we think others can do the same," Sparks said.

As a first step towards more efficient limits, the Authority is proposing a default 10kW export limit for small-scale generation, such as residential solar. The Authority is further proposing lines companies must use a standard, industry-developed assessment method if a limit lower than 10kW is needed. The Authority is also proposing that industry develop an assessment method for setting export limits for larger generation, such as solar and wind farms.

"We want people who have invested in distributed generation to get a better return on their investment by being able to export more electricity. This may also encourage more people to invest and install larger systems that both meet their own needs and have extra capacity for export to support networks," Sparks said.

The Authority welcomes feedback on its proposals as set out in the consultation paper  by 5pm, 19 November 2025.

In a future stage of the ‘Network connections project’, the Authority will consider further ways to increase the amount of electricity that can be shared from larger distributed generators, to ensure the network and all New Zealanders get the full benefits it brings.

Energy Resources Aotearoa acknowledges the Government’s response to the electricity market review conducted by Frontier Economics, calling it a measured and pragmatic package that strikes the right balance between stability and action.

Chief Executive John Carnegie says the decision not to embark on wholesale reform will provide the sector with the predictability it requires to invest with confidence.

"The Government has rightly avoided plunging the sector into uncertainty by focusing on surgical, targeted changes. You don’t rebuild investor confidence by smashing market settings and starting again. For a sector building billions in new generation, stability matters."

Carnegie says the real test of the package will be whether it delivers the firming capacity needed to keep the lights on.

"Frontier’s report made it clear: the market by itself won’t deliver the dry-year backup New Zealand needs. Households and businesses already know this after two shaky winters and a run of industrial closures.

Making firming the cornerstone of the response is the right call. New Zealand can double renewable generation by 2050, but without ensuring secure firming, we risk blackouts and higher costs."

Carnegie cautiously supports the decision to run a competitive procurement process for a liquefied natural gas import facility.

"LNG is the oxygen mask for our energy system-life support that gives us breathing room while domestic gas supply recovers and new generation is built.

It may well be a vital insurance policy that could keep the wider energy system up and running in dry years, but LNG will come with risks that require careful management.

That’s why it’s essential we also create the right regulatory and cost conditions to ensure economic production of domestic natural gas for as long as possible. This will deliver security at a lower cost to consumers and smooth the transition as New Zealand moves towards a lower-carbon future."

Carnegie also welcomed moves to reduce policy risk for investors and lift capital constraints on the Mixed Ownership Model companies.

"With sovereign risk reduced and the generator retailers now freer to raise and deploy capital, Ministers have made it clear they expect these companies to seek out and bring forward commercially sound opportunities for new generation and, critically, new firming capacity.

With that expectation backed by the prospect of Crown support for credible projects, mixed-ownership companies are now in a stronger position to move forward more quickly."

Carnegie says the Government was wise to reject some of the more disruptive recommendations from Frontier, including creating a centralised ‘Thermalco’, removing electricity from the Emissions Trading Scheme, or forcing amalgamations of electricity distribution businesses.

"Maintaining the market architecture while sharpening incentives strikes the right balance. The sector is now on notice to deliver the affordable and reliable energy New Zealanders need."
 

The EMA says the government’s response to today’s Frontier Economics report announcement on the electricity market was almost predictably underwhelming, given a number of recommendations in the report were never likely to go ahead.

The government has rejected eight of the 10 recommendations from the much anticipated and delayed release of the report, commissioned in the wake of the significant price spikes in electricity pricing during last winter.

"Options such as selling off the remainder of the government’s share in the gentailers and then investing, owning and running a ThermalCo (combining coal, diesel and gas assets), to provide the firming options to back new wind and solar generation, were never likely to fly," says EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald.

"Nor was it likely to force the 29 electricity distribution companies to amalgamate into five entities (Three Waters anyone?), although some voluntary consolidation in that sector is often raised but yet to materialise.

"Renewed interest in a liquified natural gas import terminal will provide some relief, if it gets off the ground, but that requires infrastructure investment in a new import terminal and the landed gas will likely be nearly twice the price of what it is now.

"However, possibly providing some government investment or incentives to the existing generators, to provide thermal backing generation investment (most likely diesel and coal in the shorter term), may help underpin and back greater supply of renewables such as wind and solar.

"The theory behind deep-bore geothermal supply sounds very promising, and we should get on with that, but new hydro generation, another renewable option, seems to have been ruled out as too environmentally difficult."

McDonald says, longer term, the government and the generation sector were already taking steps to address a current generation market that sees the supply v demand equation kept right on the margin, with prices set by the most expensive generation option - Huntly coal.

"That’s one reason for looking at the regulatory regime, also included in the Frontier Report but rejected by government. Consolidating the roles of the Electricity Authority (EA), the gas industry regulator and the involvement of the Commerce Commission in the market could have helped reorient the market dynamics.

"Under the current market settings, we’ve gone from attracting international business with low electricity costs to de-industrialisation and the closure of our own businesses as a result of higher domestic electricity pricing. Internationally, our pricing is reasonable but that’s no help to local businesses experiencing price shocks of 30%, 50% or more, as they seek to renew supply contracts.

"Industry moves to shore up coal supply and keep the ageing Rankine engines on stream at Huntly for another 10 years provides some certainty around ongoing thermal (coal) backing for new renewable supply.

"Elsewhere, the fast-track consenting regime, which probably needs to move faster, will bring more renewables such as solar and wind on-stream. Meanwhile, continually improving battery technology provides better storage for those renewables when there’s no wind or little sun.

"The fast-track regime also needs to apply to connecting new generation to the Transpower-operated national grid and the new RMA is also addressing connection issues. Transpower needs to be more efficient and faster at providing new grid exit points to better connect new generation to growing demand centres.

"At least one new gas find is being brought on-stream, and predictions are a major gas user will exit the market in the next 12 months freeing up more supply. Also, at least one new gas exploration company has applied for access to potential gas reserves for drilling, with another possibly having a closer look.

"The short-sighted ban on gas exploration, without a fully prepared transition plan, continues to bite industry when many other jurisdictions are using gas as the transition fuel of choice.

"New Zealand’s choices seem to be either more coal or diesel, with the opposition stubbornly clinging onto reintroducing the ban if re-elected. This continues to have a cooling effect on gas exploration. It will take time to bring on new supply, if found. But if you don’t look, you certainly won’t find any new gas."
 

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority) is moving to level the playing field between the four large gentailers (Genesis, Contact, Meridian and Mercury) and independent participants in the electricity market.

The level playing field options were developed by the Authority, the Commerce Commission Te Komihana Tauhokohoko (Commerce Commission) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment under the Energy Competition Task Force.

The Authority has today confirmed three targeted interventions to boost competition, build confidence in the wholesale market, and ultimately give New Zealanders better access to affordable electricity.

"Confidence in the market underpins healthy retail competition and affordable power prices," says Electricity Authority Chair Anna Kominik. "We are concerned that aspects of the wholesale market may be eroding the confidence required for independent players to compete, and we are acting to address these concerns."

The Authority is progressing these pro-competition interventions at pace, so changes could be in place by mid-2026:

1. Options for requiring gentailers to trade minimum volumes of the new wholesale electricity hedge product introduced in January to help independent participants manage their risk. Regulation would only apply if voluntary trading volumes do not grow. The issues and options paper is now available for feedback.

2. Code changes necessary to introduce mandatory non-discrimination obligations for the four large gentailers, with draft Code amendments published for feedback in October. This will provide greater confidence that the gentailers’ wholesale businesses are not treating independent retailers differently to their own retail businesses.

3. A review of ‘market making’ in the electricity futures market to ensure it promotes healthy competition and transparency. This will be published for feedback in November.

The Authority is also ready to intervene with urgent regulation if there is a sudden material reduction in the supply of shaped hedges, to maintain the market while an enduring solution is considered. By fixing costs when energy demand is highest, shaped hedges help retailers manage risk and keep prices stable and affordable, even in tight market conditions.

"Targeted and timely interventions are needed to encourage new generators and independent retailers to enter, grow and compete in the market. These initiatives will promote healthy competition, retail innovation and investment in the sector - all of which are essential to deliver a reliable and affordable electricity supply," Kominik said.

In February, the Authority sought feedback on options to level the playing field between the gentailers and independent generators and retailers, receiving over 40 written submissions and meeting with more than 20 submitters. The Authority is continuing to consider the broad range of views shared as it develops draft Code amendments for consultation and will respond to those views in the consultation paper.

"We know from the conversations we’re having that some feel that regulatory change is not happening fast or hard enough. The proposals being announced today target measures that can be rolled out in months, not years, driving timely progress while ensuring all parties can participate in and contribute to the process," says Kominik.

"New Zealand’s electricity market is undergoing significant change, and the Authority has a clearly signposted programme of proposed reforms and adjustments underway that keep the focus on security of supply and affordability. The Authority is prioritising practical measures with clear benefits and time for input to ensure policy changes are robust and in New Zealand consumers’ long-term interests," says Kominik.

Commerce Commission Chair and Task Force member Dr John Small says: "These initiatives are designed to work together to promote increased competition in the sector. Combined they increase transparency for market participants transacting with the gentailers and improve access to the wholesale electricity contracts they need. They would also give new players and investors confidence to enter the market and encourage the development of innovative new products and services. We don’t expect these proposed changes would materially increase gentailers’ costs but do expect they would lead to more choices and lower power prices over the long term."

Visit the  Task Force webpage to see the Pro-competition policy reform roadmap and read the Regulating  the standardised super-peak  hedge contract issues and options paper for more information.
 

The Electricity Retailers’ Association NZ (ERANZ) has introduced a new resource for consumers who may be finding it difficult to pay their electricity bill. It introduces sources of support and ways for consumers to find out more online. 

Having trouble paying your power bill? covers a range of available options for consumers struggling to pay their bills. Some of these options come from the companies that generate electricity and/or sell it to their customers, while others are provided by government or community organisations. 

ERANZ Chief Executive Bridget Abernethy says there’s a real need for this sort of information to be available.

“We think it’s important to share information about the support consumers can access.  We’re hoping it will also be useful for organisations offering financial advice to people in their communities, particularly those experiencing energy hardship.”

The resource is funded by ERANZ members including Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Mercury, Meridian Energy, Nova Energy and Manawa Energy.

“Our members are very conscious that rising electricity prices will have an impact on consumers, and this is just one of the many ways in which they can help,” Abernethy says.

“The first thing households should do if they are having difficulties paying their power bill is call their retailer. Electricity retailers have teams and programmes specifically designed to help customers in hardship find more affordable ways to pay. 

“In addition, we’re pleased to offer clear information to consumers about other help available.”

The Electricity Retailers Association (ERANZ) of New Zealand welcomes the Electricity Authority's report today showing that ERANZ members, Contact, Genesis Energy, Mercury, Meridian Energy, and Nova Energy, continue to fully comply with Consumer Care Guidelines.

ERANZ Chief Executive Bridget Abernethy says the Guidelines, originally developed a decade ago by retailers, ensure minimum consumer care standards and protection for consumers.

"The guidelines are fundamental to ERANZ members. It was ERANZ that began the work of refreshing and modernising the guidelines in 2019, so they continue to be fit-for-purpose for consumers in the future."

Abernethy says ERANZ supports the Electricity Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve minimum standards for electricity consumers in New Zealand including making them mandatory.

“ERANZ members are committed to delivering best practice customer service. In many cases, the services go beyond the minimum standards prescribed.

“We look forward to working with consumers as we implement the Consumer Care Obligations next year and continue to provide high standards of consumer care.  

“If anyone is experiencing payment difficulties, the best thing they can do is talk to their retailer early – they have a range of ways to help.”

Aotearoa’s largest provider of household solar systems, SolarZero, has now reached the milestone of helping their customers save $10 million on their power bills since the company’s inception – a significant achievement in the face of rising energy costs and a volatile energy market. 

With over 15,000 systems now installed on households across the country, SolarZero is proud to help each one save on their monthly energy costs due to the innovative solar subscription system, and batteries enabling ‘time of use’ efficiencies. 

Matt Ward, Chief Executive of SolarZero, says, “Over the past few months, the discourse around New Zealand’s energy market has been heated and multi-faceted – specifically around the rising wholesale energy costs for retailers, increased demand on the national grid, and the importing of fossil fuels to plug the gap.”

Solar energy is poised as a solution to many of these issues due to the fact it is sustainable, secure, and increasingly more affordable with innovative technology like that offered by SolarZero. 

“Solar panels paired with batteries present the opportunity to address many of the energy issues we’ve been discussing as a nation. We had the chance to prove this when our Virtual Power Plant network of solar systems helped to prevent nationwide power outages by supplementing the national grid – showing the large-scale resilience solar can create,” says Ward.

Maintaining sunshine hours during a chilly winter

Furthermore, new data shows that despite the reduced sunlight of the cold winter months, SolarZero’s nationwide solar systems still provided over 16,000 MwH of energy – equivalent to powering the whole of Feilding for the winter. 

SolarZero’s nationwide network of systems generated 16,100 MwH of energy from June 1 to August 31, equivalent to the power usage of 7,040 households for the chilly season.

Contrary to popular belief, this winter still saw an average 75% of the daylight we experienced in Autumn across our major centres allowing for sufficient solar energy to be captured by panels and stored in batteries for efficient usage.

Ward adds, “There has always been a public misconception that solar is ineffective in the winter which makes it unreliable - despite the hundreds of sunshine hours at our disposal. But what’s more consistent than the sun rising in the morning, and setting in the evening? We’re proud to show that our customers helped to generate over 16,000 MwH over these three chilly months.”

“New Zealand is in need of a resilient energy system which takes the stress off the national grid. Countries such as Germany have demonstrated how popular and effective solar can be, despite having less sunlight than us to harness – it’s time we followed suit. Plus, pairing panels with batteries means that when the sun is shining brightly, nothing goes to waste and we can use it when we need it most.” says Ward.

A new Concept Consulting report commissioned by the Electricity Retailers’ Association of New Zealand (ERANZ) has brought together data on New Zealand's electricity generation over the past 20 years and confirmed billions have been invested in renewables despite uncertainty in our energy system.

ERANZ Chief Executive Bridget Abernethy says the report shows gentailers have invested heavily in renewable generation since 2010 – despite minimal demand growth due to energy efficiency improvements and the reduction of industrial demand. 

“The report highlights the factors that have created uncertainty for investors, including the future of Tiwai, changes in ETS policy, fluctuations in gas supply, and concerns about transmission capacity.

“Even with these challenges, gentailers are rapidly developing new energy sources and replacing thermal generation with renewables to pave the way for New Zealand’s low-carbon future.”

Abernethy says elevated spot prices are a recurring market feature. As the report points out, new generation investment is incentivised when there are sustained wholesale prices above the cost of supplying new generation.

“High spot prices reflect scarcity and signal the need for more generation. That increase in generation is what we are seeing now. The idea that gentailers are avoiding investment in generation simply isn’t backed by the evidence from this report.”

The report also found that, in addition to already completed projects, there is a significant amount of future generation in the investment pipeline.

“New entrants beyond the established players, supply an increasing share of this generation, indicating that competition remains strong in New Zealand’s generation sector.

“While not all proposed projects will get built over the next few years, it does show how committed the industry is to adding options for new renewable generation.

“Around 5,000 GWh/yr of new renewable generation will be built in the coming years. If the average house uses 8,000kWh of electricity annually, that's enough to power 625,000 additional homes,” Abernethy says.

-ENDS-

Download the report: Past-and-future-generation-pipeline-Concept-Consulting-web.pdf

New analysis by FIRST Union, the NZCTU, and 350 Aotearoa has shown that for every dollar invested by New Zealand's four main gentailers in renewable energy capacity, shareholders receive $2.41 in dividends.

The analysis shows that over the last decade, the companies earned $7.6bn in net profit after tax, but paid out $10.8bn to shareholders, prioritising returns to shareholders over new renewable energy investment and affordable energy prices for consumers.

The Consumer Advocacy Council has stated that the market model for electricity is failing to deliver affordable and reliable electricity for consumers, and has called on the New Zealand government to ensure that the industry delivers for residential consumers and small businesses, rather than solely for shareholders.

This comes as many households are struggling to heat their homes during the winter, exacerbating the cost of living crisis. The Council has welcomed the government's commitment to accelerating investment in renewable energy but has stated that the industry must deliver for residential consumers, rather than solely shareholders.