2026 Gas default price-quality path
The current price-quality paths (DPP) set in 2022 applying to GPBs are set to expire on 30 September 2026. Under the Commerce Act, we have until 31 May 2026 to set new DPPs to apply from 1 October 2026.
Current step in the process:
On 26 June 2025, we published the Issues paper, the Draft decision reasons paper on a Five–year regulatory period, and a consumer–friendly explainer of the DPP. In July and August 2025, we published 22 submissions, and nine cross-submissions received on the issues raised in these papers.
On 6 August 2025, we published a summary of recent engagements with 12 large gas users. The summary captures the key themes, concerns and strategies shared during conversations and can be found under the ‘Documents’ tab below.
Workshops:
On 15 July 2025, we held an online technical workshop on Scenarios modelling. The recording is below, and the accompanying slides are available under the 'Documents' tab.
Indicative project timeline
We will update dates for specific publications as we progress.
| Date | Key process or publication |
| June 2025 | Issues paper |
| June – September 2025 | Stakeholder engagement and technical workshops, as required |
| November 2025 | Draft decision |
| May 2026 | Final decision |
| 1 October 2026 | Gas DPP4 commences |
The four gas distribution businesses subject to price-quality regulation under Part 4 of the Commerce Act 1986 are First Gas, GasNet, Powerco and Vector. First Gas also has a gas transmission business that provides gas to large users of natural gas such as big industrial plants, electricity generators and the gas distribution businesses.
Businesses affected by the 2026 gas DPP
Distribution
- GasNet
- Powerco Limited
- Vector Limited
- First Gas Limited
Transmission
- First Gas Limited
You can find information on previous reviews of the DPPs that apply to gas distribution and gas transmission businesses, on the 2022 gas default price-quality path page.
Current step in the process:
On 26 June 2025, we published the Issues paper, the Draft decision reasons paper on a Five–year regulatory period, and a consumer–friendly explainer of the DPP.
In July and August 2025, we published 22 submissions, and nine cross-submissions received on the issues raised in these papers.
Workshops:
On 15 July 2025, we held an online technical workshop on Scenarios modelling. The recording is below, and the accompanying slides are available under the 'Documents' tab.