Our work with other agencies

Commerce Commission

The Commerce Commission is New Zealand’s competition, consumer and regulatory agency.

The Commerce Commission deals with the detrimental impacts of long-term or permanent market power, whereas the Electricity Authority is interested in short-term, transitory exercises. There is some overlap between our work, but our focus is on the competitiveness of electricity markets, rather than the conduct of any particular market participant or group of participants.

We signed a memorandum of understanding on 9 December 2010 to explain how we intend to coordinate our respective roles.

Consumer Advocacy Council

The Consumer Advocacy Council (CAC) is the independent advocate for residential and small business electricity consumers in Aotearoa.

We signed a memorandum of understanding on 15 August 2023 on cooperation, publications, consultations and the exchange of information between the CAC and the Electricity Authority.

Financial Markets Authority

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) regulate the financial markets in New Zealand.

We signed a memorandum of understanding on 13 July 2015 on consultation, cooperation and the exchange of information between the FMA and the Electricity Authority.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is the Government's policy adviser for the energy sector. MBIE monitors the Electricity Authority on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Resources.

MBIE leads the development of the energy sector's strategy and is involved in the formulation of legislation for the electricity sector. MBIE also acts as the purchase adviser to the Minister of Energy and Resources on the requirements of the Crown Entities Act 2004 in respect to the Electricity Authority.

We signed a memorandum of understanding on 19 September 2014 to provide a framework for cooperation between MBIE and the Electricity Authority.

Utilities Disputes

Utilities Disputed Limited (UDL) operates an approved energy complaints scheme and has a statutory purpose under clause 1 of schedule 4 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010.

UDL provides a free and independent complaints resolution scheme if a dispute between a consumer and an electricity provider is unable to be resolved. UDL is funded by industry participants. All electricity retailers and distributors must be part of the scheme - this ensures that UDL’s services remain free to consumers.

We have common interest areas with UDL on improving the experience of consumer’s involvement with the electricity industry. We signed a memorandum of understanding on 8 March 2022 to formalise a working arrangement to ensure assistance and cooperation in the performance of our respective roles and functions.

Council of energy regulators

We are part of the Council of Energy Regulators with the Commerce Commission, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, Gas Industry Company, and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The Council facilitates a whole-of-system approach to risks, issues and opportunities within the energy markets regulatory system. It convenes each quarter to coordinate and collaborate activities, monitor emerging risks and exchange information on our work programmes.