Understanding changes to gas pipeline charges from 1 October 2026

Gas demand is expected to decline, but it will continue to play a role in New Zealand’s energy system for years to come.

Gas pipelines have high fixed costs, mostly due to costs for maintaining and operating safely – regardless of how much gas is used.

From 1 October 2026 to 2031, we’ve allowed moderate increases in pipeline revenue while also expecting reduced spending in some areas and introducing safeguards to protect consumers from the impacts of a large drop in gas use.

Your gas bill is made up of a few parts. Pipeline charges are one part of the bill – around one-third of your bill. The other components include wholesale gas prices and retailer pricing – these aren’t regulated.

Your total gas bill depends on:

• how much gas you use
• your retailer’s pricing
• wholesale gas prices

We regulate gas pipeline businesses under Part 4 of the Commerce Act because these networks don’t face strong competition.

We do this by setting revenue limits which determines just how much the pipeline companies can charge. They also must meet quality and service standards. 

If you’re a household

• Typical households are expected to see a 1% to3% increase in gas bills (excluding inflation)
• That’s expected to be about up to $5 more per month on average in the first year
• For households on Vector’s Auckland network, you may see $5 extra per month in each of the next three years.

If you’re a small businesses

• Similar percentage increases to households
• Higher total costs due to greater gas use
• If you’re a larger commercial and industrial users
• More affected by wider energy market conditions, including gas availability and wholesale prices

Questions about your bill or pricing

• Contact your gas retailer (e.g. Contact, Genesis, Mercury, Nova)

Connection or network issues

• Contact your local pipeline company (e.g. Vector, Powerco, Firstgas, GasNet) 

Disputes or independent advice

• Utilities Disputes Limitedopen_in_new
• Consumer NZopen_in_new

Know your rights

Gas retailers must follow the Gas Consumer Care Guidelinesopen_in_new, which include:

• supporting access to an affordable and reliable gas supply
• helping customers manage payment difficulties
• maintaining fair and respectful relationships with customers  

Ways to reduce your energy costs 

You may be able to lower your energy bills by improving how efficiently you use gas at home or work. 

Find practical tips from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authorityopen_in_new. For businesses there is a range of advice availableopen_in_new.