Distribution Connection Pricing Technical Group
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Call for nominations
We are seeking nominations for three new members of the Distribution Connection Pricing Technical Group.
The group is made up of representatives from access seekers (those connecting to networks), distributors, independent advisors and industry experts. It provides practical industry input, tests the workability of proposed reforms, and assists in the development of implementation arrangements for the Distribution connection pricing reform project.
We are particularly interested in nominations from people with experience in:
- large access seeker interests
- major connection projects
- practical connection processes
- network investment and planning
- customer and developer interests
We intend to appoint successful nominees for a term ending in December 2027.
To make a nomination, complete and return this nomination form by 5pm, 2 November 2026 to distribution.pricing@ea.govt.nz
Role
The Distribution Connection Pricing Technical Group was established in June 2024 to ensure stakeholder knowledge is captured in our work on connection pricing, and to assist with testing the workability of related Code amendments.
The Electricity Authority is working on rules to mandate efficient connection pricing as it believes some connection pricing settings may be resulting in inefficiently high upfront charges that could act as a barrier to electrification.
Efficient connection pricing rules will help access seekers and distributors optimise their investments, resulting in better use of the distribution network and lower costs to consumers.
Former members
The group was initially made up of 13 members, appointed by the Electricity Authority to represent a broad array of knowledge and experience of network connections and specifically pricing of connections.
- Nathan Astwood, Firstlight Network Commercial Manager
- Michelle Allfrey, WEL Networks GM Commercial Engagement
- Tarryn Butcher, Commercial and Regulatory Specialist
- Steven Cooper, Top Energy Estimating Manager
- Tristan Davison, Powerco Pricing and Revenue Manager
- Alex Nisbet, EA Networks Pricing Manager
- Tony Oosten, Fonterra Energy and Climate Manager
- Stephen Peterson, Company Director and Industry Advisor
- Richard Sharp, Vector General Manager Economic Regulation and Pricing
- Simon Shen, Northpower Head of Commercial and Regulatory
- Sam Steele, EO Charging Director of Commercial Operations and Board member of Drive Electric
- Jon Stone, Aurora Energy Commercial Planning and Pricing Manager
- Howard Wood, Manawa Energy Commercial Partnership Manager
The Chair is the Electricity Authority’s Manager of Legal, Corporate and Compliance, Catherine Marks.
Simon Wakefield, Commerce Commission Principal Adviser, Price Quality Regulation is an observer.