Podcast: The Electricity Brief

Episode 6: Improving consumer access and choice

In this episode, Carl speaks to Andrew Millar, General Manager Retail and Consumer, about the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko’s work to improve consumer access and choice. Together, they explore some of the barriers consumers face when accessing electricity and finding a plan that best suit their needs.

They also discuss our Improving consumer access and choice issues paper, which invites feedback from consumers and industry on the issues we've identified. Alongside this, we're asking people who have struggled to get access to electricity or find a plan that works for their household to tell us about it.

The feedback from the survey and the issues paper will help us build our understanding of the situation before deciding on changes.

Episode 5: Solar Installation Map

In this episode, Principal Advisor Carl Billington sits down with Zoe Priestley, our General Manager of Communications, Engagement, Data and People & Capability, to discuss the Authority’s new solar installation map. Together, they explore how the map is designed to help New Zealanders feel more confident about going solar by showing what’s happening in their neighbourhood.

Episode 4: Non-discrimination obligations – level playing field measures

In this episode, Principal Advisor Carl Billington sits down with Hayden Glass, our General Manager of Wholesale and Supply, to discuss the Authority’s decision to introduce non-discrimination obligations to level the playing field in the wholesale electricity market. Together, they discuss what the obligations involve and what they mean for the market and consumers.

Episode 3: Billy – the Authority’s new free comparison and switching tool

In this episode, Carl Billington sits down with Chief Executive Sarah Gillies to talk about Billy, the Authority’s new free comparison and switching tool. They discuss how Billy helps New Zealanders compare power plans with confidence and makes it easier for households to take control of their power costs.

Visit billy.govt.nz to see what you could save.

Episode 2: Better billing and product data standards

In this episode, Principal Advisor Carl Billington sits down with Andrew Millar, our General Manager of Retail and Consumer, to unpack changes to improve electricity bills and standardise product information. Together they delve into the decisions and what this means for consumers and retailers.

Episode 1: Consumer Care Obligations

In our first episode, Principal Advisor Carl Billington sits down with Airihi Mahuika, our General Manager of Legal, Monitoring and Compliance, to unpack our first annual report on retailers’ compliance with the Consumer Care Obligations. Together, they delve into the report’s key insights - where retailers are getting it right, where gaps remain, and what needs to change to lift standards across the sector.