Electricity Industry Participation Code (Code Review Programme) Amendment 2026

This amendment to the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (“Code) comes into force on 1 September 2026, except—

a. clause 43, which comes into force on 1 October 2026; and

b. clauses 26, 27, and 30, which come into force on 30 October 2026.

The amendment makes a variety of independent and relatively minor amendments as part of the Authority’s Code review programme to improve the operation of the Code.

The amendment amends Parts 1, 6, 6A, 6B, 7,8, 10, 11, 11A, 12A, 13, 14, 15, 16A and 17 of the Code. The changes comprise:

a. changing references in the Code to terms that are analogous to the definition of ‘maximum export power’ in Part 1 to use the term ‘maximum export power’;

b. clarifying that obligations on retailers under clause 6 of Schedule 11A.1 of the Code to display certain information on a retailer’s website only apply to retailers who already maintain a website;

c. clarifying that distributors are required to maintain and publish a policy, rather than a distribution agreement, when they hold exemptions to operate a connected generation or retail business as a single legal entity;

d. requiring audits of distributors’ and reconciliation participants’ processes and procedures relating to the sharing of information in accordance with Electricity Information Exchange Protocols;

e. requiring a metering equipment provider and retailer to take action to complete testing if, at the time of the subsequent visit to the metering installation required under clause 14(4) of Schedule 10.7 of the Code, there is insufficient load to complete testing;

f. updating the metering and data storage device standards references in Table 5 of Schedule 10.1 of the Code to the current versions, and to include the version (year) of each standard;

g. allowing distributor discretion in how and when to apply the reduction in distribution changes for non-supply, and allowing distributors to revert the ICP status to ‘Active’ when the interruption to supply has been resolved;

h. enabling a price category code assigned to ICPs to take effect in less than two months where the retailer and customer both consent;

i. clarifying that, where a retailer operates multiple brands, the obligations to publish a plan catalogue and perform better plan checks for customers apply to the relevant brand only;

j. revoking the Authority’s power to grant dispensations under clause 6A.9 of the Code and clarifying the status of dispensations that have already been granted;

k. enabling the efficient electrical connection and disconnection to points of connection to the grid by:

i. requiring a direct consumer or distributor to confirm there is a trader identified as responsible for settlement of the electricity conveyed at the point of connection;

ii. requiring a grid connected generator to confirm that the grid connected generator is responsible for the delivery of submission information for the electricity conveyed at the point of connection;

iii. enabling a designated transmission customer to electronically connect a point of connection to the grid where the connection agreement permits the customer to do so;

iv. enabling a designated transmission customer to electronically disconnect a point of connection from the grid where the connection agreement permits the customer to do so;

v. enabling the grid owner to disconnect or electronically disconnect a point of connection when it is permitted to do so under its transmission agreement with the designated transmission customer;

l. clarifying that a distributor may only create an ICP identifier or connect an ICP if there is access to the isolation point to electrically disconnect the ICP;

m. amending the clearing manager’s obligation to pay participants by 4pm to an obligation to issue bank instructions to pay participants by 4pm and clarifying when the clearing manager is liable to pay interest under clause 14.64 of the Code; and

n. making several other technical changes to correct minor typographical and other errors in the Code.