The Electricity Authority empowering better energy outcomes for Aotearoa

Consumers’ interests are at the heart of everything we do at the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko. Our people are working hard to protect the interests of domestic and small business consumers, and create better energy outcomes for all New Zealanders

A key way we do this is by ensuring the Electricity Participation Code (2010) is fit-for-purpose and enables innovation in the market so consumers can benefit from emerging technology to help power their lives.

In late June, the Electricity Authority approved two exemptions to the Code to facilitate an energy sharing pilot led by Kāinga Ora and Ara Ake. The exemptions will allow Wellington Electricity Lines Limited, as the distributor, and Intellihub Limited, as the metering equipment provider, to form part of the multiple trading model. Along with retailers they will support energy sharing across selected Kāinga Ora housing.

Electricity Authority Chief Executive, Sarah Gillies says: “The energy sharing pilot is a great example of how important it is to enable innovation and alternatives to traditional single buyer and seller electricity models. We want to ensure the Code isn’t acting as a barrier to innovation - our decision here enables the trial to happen and provides us with an opportunity to learn more about multiple trading relationships, without the risk of unintended consequences for consumers and industry.”

Another way we look out for consumers is through the partial funding of Powerswitch, a free, independent energy price-comparison service that helps Kiwis work out which retailer and plan best suits their needs.

“The power of choice and knowing your options when it comes to choosing your electricity provider can help put money back in consumers’ pockets. There are around 1.7 million households in Aotearoa and the more consumers shop around for electricity on a regular basis, the more electricity retailers improve their products, services and pricing,” says Sarah.

The Electricity Authority has just extended its contract with Consumer NZ to support the operation of Powerswitch with increased funding which will see enhancements made to functionality of the website over the next two years.

“As kaitiaki of electricity in Aotearoa, we are proud to sponsor the Outcomes Award and shine a light on those who are delivering services that are creating better energy outcomes for New Zealanders. Congratulations to all the finalists in this category for the work you have done to ensure electricity and energy has a positive impact for consumers across the motu.”

Purchase tickets today to attend the Awards ceremony on 30 August 2023 at the Te Pae Conference Centre in Christchurch.