Links
Note - the Commission accepts no responsibility for any information contained on other websites
Electricity Distribution Businesses
There are 29 electricity distribution businesses that operate locally and collectively provide lines services to the whole of New Zealand. Subpart 9 of Part 4 of the Commerce Act 1986, sets out the regulatory regime for these businesses.
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
Wellington Electricity
Westpower
Transmission
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.
The 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 and Gas 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 and issued its findings (here) in June 2000.
Overseas Jurisdictions
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC, Australia)
ACCC is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority that promotes competition and fair trade in the market place to benefit consumers, business and the community. It also regulates national infrastructure services.
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER, Australia)
AER is a constituent part of ACCC, established under the Trade Practices Act 1974. The AER regulates the wholesale electricity market and is responsible for the economic regulation of the electricity transmission and distribution networks in the national electricity market. AER is also responsible for the economic regulation of gas transmission and distribution networks and enforcing the national gas law and national gas rules in all jurisdictions except Western Australia.
UK Competition Commission (UK)
This is the UK equivalent to the enforcement role of the New Zealand Commerce Commission.
Office for the Regulation of Electricity & Gas (OFREG, UK)
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, UK)
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.
Office of Fair Trading (OFT, UK)
The OFT is the UK's consumer and competition authority. The OFT is a non-ministerial government department established by statute in 1973. The OFT's purpose is to make markets work well for consumers and achieves this by promoting open, fair and vigorous competition.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (US)
This Commission 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.