Amendments to the Code

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Code amendments

When we grant a Code amendment, we publish a notice in the New Zealand Gazette. Here are the notices:

2023

2022

2011 - 2021

How to propose a Code amendment

Anyone may propose an amendment to the Code. If you wish to propose an amendment, we suggest you read our:

  • Consultation Charter - it's a practical guide with the Code Amendment Principles we use to consider amendments. It also includes what to expect from us during the process.
  • Code drafting manual - it explains our standards for unambiguous and precise amendments to the Code.

Then complete and return the following amendment proposal form.

Process for Code amendments

We carefully consider all proposals for Code amendments. Here is the standard process for Code amendments that we follow:

1. Consultation

We consult publicly on Code amendments, inviting submissions from interested parties. To do this, we publish a:

  • draft of the proposed amendment
  • regulatory statement which includes the objectives of the proposed amendment, an evaluation of the costs and benefits and evaluation of alternative means of achieving the objectives of the proposed amendment
  • consultation paper.

2. Submissions

We carefully consider all submissions received.

3. Decision

If, following consultation, there are no significant changes to the proposal, we will proceed with the proposed amendment. Or, if we decide to make significant changes to the proposed amendment, then we will consult again on the amended proposal.

4. Notification

To make the amendment, we give notice in the New Zealand Gazette and publish the amendment on this website.

Urgent Code amendments

We have the power to make urgent amendments to the Code, if we consider the amendment to be necessary or desirable in the public interest.

For urgent Code amendments, we are not required to publish a draft of the proposed amendment, prepare and publish a regulatory statement or consult on the proposed amendment and the regulatory statement. However, we are required to publish a notice in the New Zealand Gazette and a statement with our reasons.

Urgent Code amendments expire nine months after their effective date. If we wish an urgent amendment to stay in force longer, we must use the standard Code amendment process before the urgent amendment expires.

Compliance question?

Electricity sector legislation is complex. Contact us for support with your compliance queries.