What does the Electricity Authority do?
We regulate New Zealand’s electricity market.
Retail market
We have a competitive retail market which means consumers can freely choose who they want to buy their electricity from. There are currently 30 retail brands operating in New Zealand. You can check out the options for your area through www.whatsmynumber.org.nz
Retailers
Retailers sell electricity to customers. You are free to choose the retailer and deal that best meets your needs. There are a wide range of retailers and electricity plans available across New Zealand. The best place to check out your options is www.whatsmynumber.org.nz
Distribution
Local distribution networks deliver the power to homes and businesses through overhead wires or underground cables. Distribution networks connect to the national transmission grid.
Transmission
New Zealand’s national transmission grid is owned and operated by Transpower. The national grid transmits electricity at high voltages (up to 220,000 volts) from where it is generated to the local transmission grid. A few large industrial sites connect directly to the national grid.
Wholesale market
Electricity retailers buy from the wholesale market. Prices on the wholesale market are calculated every half an hour and vary depending on supply and demand. The wholesale market is actually made up of several markets (for example the spot market and the financial transmission rights market), and there is a range of different financial contracts available to purchasers.
Generation
In 2014, a total of 80% of New Zealand’s electricity generation came from renewable sources, the fourth highest in the OECD. Most of our electricity is generated from hydro-electric stations but there is also gas, geothermal, coal, wind and diesel and solar generation.
We work to promote competition, reliable supply and efficiency in the electricity industry for the long-term benefit of consumers.
In simple terms, this means we want to make sure:
- your lights stay on
- you can choose from a range of electricity retailers
- the price you pay reflects the efficient cost of supplying you
- innovation is happening.
Our work involves:
- developing, administering and enforcing the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (the Code), which are the rules for the electricity industry. The Code covers nearly every aspect of the industry including generation, transmission, system operation, security of supply, market arrangements, metering, distribution and retailing
- providing education, guidelines, information and data to stakeholders and consumers
- monitoring the industry
- operating the electricity market and system
We are an independent crown entity.
