Electricity Distribution Businesses
There are 28 distribution businesses that operate through out New Zealand that are covered by Part 4A of the Commerce Act.
Alpine Energy (Network managed by Networks South)
Aurora Energy
Buller Electricity
Centralines
Counties Power
Eastland Network
Electra
Electricity Ashburton
Electricity Invercargill (Network managed by PowerNet)
Horizon Energy Distribution
MainPower New Zealand
Marlborough Lines
Network Tasman
Network Waitaki (Network managed by Networks South)
Nelson Electricity
Northpower
Orion New Zealand
OtagoNet Joint Venture (Network managed by PowerNet)
Powerco
Scanpower
The Lines Company
The Power Company (Network managed by PowerNet)
Top Energy
Unison
Vector
Waipa Network
WEL Networks
Westpower
Transpower
Transpower is New Zealand’s national grid company. A State-owned enterprise, Transpower New Zealand Ltd is owner and system operator of New Zealand’s high-voltage electricity transmission grid—linking generators to distribution lines businesses and major industrial users.
Retailers
Contact Energy (including Empower)
Genesis Energy (including Energy Online)
Meridian Energy
Mighty River Power (including Mercury)
TrustPower
New Zealand Sites
The Electricity Commission supervises New Zealand's electricity market. It also provides oversight of the operation and governance of the electricity market in accordance with the rules and regulations under the Electricity Act 1992.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) works to bring about voluntary changes of behaviour to implement Government strategies for energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy in both the private and public sectors.
The Electricity Complaints Commission offers an independent dispute resolution service for complaints consumers may have with their electricity lines businesses or retail companies.
Powerswitch allows consumers to work out which power company and pricing plan is best for a consumer.
The Ministry of Economic Development facilitates, leads and implements the Government's vision for economic development. The Ministry has information in the area of electricity and also a chronology of the electricity of the Electricity Industry.
In February 2000 the Government requested a Ministerial Inquiry into the Electricity Industry. The inquiry was headed by Hon. David Cargill (now the Commerce Commission Deputy Chair) and issued its findings (here) in June 2000.
Overseas Jurisdictions
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority. ACCC promotes competition and fair trade in the market place to benefit consumers, business and the community. It also regulates national infrastructure services.
UK Competition Commission
This is the UK’s equivalent to the New Zealand Commerce Commission.
Office for the Regulation of Electricity & Gas (OFREG)
The Office for the Regulation of Electricity & Gas, OFREG, is an independent public body set up to monitor the electricity and natural gas industries in Northern Ireland. Its duties include promoting competition in the electricity industry, protecting electricity and gas consumers, and arbitrating in disputes between consumer and supplier.
Office of Gas & Electricity Markets (OFGEM)
Ofgem is the Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets, regulating the gas and electricity industries in Great Britain. Ofgem’s aim is to bring choice and value to all gas and electricity customers by promoting competition and regulating monopolies. Ofgem licences and monitors the gas and electricity companies, taking action where necessary to ensure compliance.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
US Commission which regulates key interstate aspects of the electric power, natural gas, oil pipeline, and hydroelectric industries.
Competition Bureau (Canada)
The Competition Bureau is the Canadian equivalent of the NZ Commerce Commission. It is responsible for administration and enforcement of Canada’s Competition legislation.