This legislation is administered by the Electricity Authority. For more information please see:

Website: https://www.ea.govt.nz/

Contact phone: +64 4 460 8860

Contact address: PO Box 10041, Wellington 6143

 

 

Electricity Industry Participation Code (Code Review Programme) Amendment 2026

 

This amendment to the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (Code) is made under sections 38 and 39(3) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (Act) by the Electricity Authority having complied with section 39 of that Act.

 

 

 

 

Contents

 

1

Title

3

2

Commencement

4

3

Code amended

4

 

Part 1

Amendments to Part 1 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

4

Clause 1.1 amended (Interpretation)

4

 

Part 2

Amendments to Part 6 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

 

Schedule 6.1

 

5

Clause 17 of Schedule 6.1 amended

5

 

Part 3

Amendments to Part 6A of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

6

Clause 6A.4 replaced (Distributor agreements)

5

7

Clause 6A.9 replaced (Authority may grant Part 6A dispensation to specified person)

6

 

Part 4

Amendments to Part 6B of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

8

Clause 6B.4 amended (Connection enhancement cost allocation requirements)

7

9

Clause 6B.7 amended (Requirements for a pioneer scheme)

7

10

Clause 6B.9 amended (Distributors must publish information on pioneer schemes)

7

11

Clause 6B.11 amended (Connection charge reconciliation requirements)

7

 

Part 5

Amendments to Part 7 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

12

Clause 7.18 amended (Process if the Authority does not approve a proposal for consultation)

7

 

Part 6

Amendments to Part 8 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

13

Clause 8.25 amended (Other asset owner performance obligations and technical standards)

8

 

Part 7

Amendments to Part 10 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

14

Clause 10.29B replaced (Grid owner may electrically connect point of connection to grid)

8

15

Clause 10.29C replaced (Grid owner may electrically disconnect or disconnect point of connection to grid)

9

 

Schedule 10.1

 

16

Table 3 of Schedule 10.1 amended

9

17

Table 5 of Schedule 10.1 replaced

9

 

Schedule 10.7

 

18

Clause 14 of Schedule 10.7 amended

11

 

Part 8

Amendments to Part 11 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

19

Clause 11.5 amended (Participants may request that distributors create ICP identifiers for ICPs)

12

20

Clause 11.30B amended (Provision of information on electricity plan comparison site)

12

21

Clause 11.32EA amended (Retailer actions on receipt of requests from agents)

12

 

Schedule 11.1

 

22

Clause 3 of Schedule 11.1 amended

12

23

Clause 7 of Schedule 11.1 replaced

12

24

Clause 17 of Schedule 11.1 amended

12

25

Clause 23 of Schedule 11.1 amended

13

 

Part 9

Amendments to Part 11A of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

26

Clause 11A.17 amended (Retailer to publish plan catalogue)

13

 

Schedule 11A.1

 

27

New clause 1A of Schedule 11A.1 inserted

13

28

Clause 6 of Schedule 11A.1 amended

13

29

Clause 48 of Schedule 11A.1 amended

13

 

Schedule 11A.2

 

30

Clause 7 of Schedule 11A.2 amended

13

 

Part 10

Amendments to Part 12A of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

31

Clause 12A.7 amended (Payments for injection)

14

 

Schedule 12A.4

 

32

Clause 6 of Schedule 12A.4 amended

14

33

Schedule 12A.4, Appendix A, clause 9.10 amended

14

 

Part 11

Amendments to Part 13 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

34

Clause 13.6 amended (Requirements for generators when submitting offers)

14

35

Clause 13.219 amended (Information that must be submitted)

14

 

Part 12

Amendments to Part 14 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

36

Clause 14.34 amended (Payments by clearing manager)

15

37

Clause 14.64 amended (Interest payable to participants)

15

 

Schedule 14.4

 

38

Schedule 14.4, Form 1, clause 2 amended

15

39

Schedule 14.4, Form 2, clause 2 amended

15

40

Schedule 14.4, Form 3, clause 2 amended

15

41

Schedule 14.4, Form 4, clause 2 amended

16

42

Schedule 14.4, Form 4, Schedule amended

16

 

Part 13

Amendments to Part 15 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

43

Clause 15.28 amended (Transitional provisions concerning revisions)

16

 

Part 14

Amendments to Part 16A of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

44

Clause 16A.23 amended (Additional requirements for distributor audits)

16

45

New clause 16A.24A inserted (Additional requirements for reconciliation participation audits)

16

 

Part 15

Amendments to Part 17 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

46

Clause 17.1 amended (Transitional provisions for definitions)

17

 

 

 

 

Amendment

 

1       Title

This is the Electricity Industry Participation Code (Code Review Programme) Amendment 2026.

 

2       Commencement

(1)     Except as provided in subclauses (2) and (3), this amendment comes into force on 1 September 2026.

(2)     Clause 43 of this amendment comes into force on 1 October 2026.

(3)     Clauses 26, 27 and 30 of this amendment come into force on 30 October 2026.

        

3       Code amended

This amendment amends the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010.

 

Part 1

Amendments to Part 1 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

4       Clause 1.1 amended (Interpretation)

(1)     In clause 1.1(1), revoke the definition of active meter.

(2)     In clause 1.1(1), insert in its appropriate alphabetical order:

         connected asset owner kvar reference node means a notional node that represents a group of grid exit points within a zone for which a distributor nominates peak demand in kvar, and for which the individual kvar quantities measured at the individual grid exit points within the group are aggregated for voltage support charging purposes, as approved by the system operator (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld)

 

         connected generator policy means a policy a distributor is required to maintain in respect of a connected generator connected to the distributor’s network when the distributor is not subject to the corporate separation rule under clause 6A.3

 

         connected retailer policy means a policy a distributor is required to maintain in respect of a connected retailer connected to the distributor’s network when the distributor is not subject to the corporate separation rule under clause 6A.3

(3)     In clause 1.1(1), definition of Consumers Price Index, replace “published” with “published”.

(4)     In clause 1.1(1), delete the definition of distributor kvar reference node.

(5)     In clause 1.1(1), definition of Part 6A dispensation,—

(a)     replace “in accordance with the process set out in” with “under”; and

(b)     insert "as it was in effect immediately before 1 September 2026” after "clause 6A.9”.

(6)     In clause 1.1(1), definition of specified person, replace “32(6)” with “5”.

 

Part 2

Amendments to Part 6 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

Schedule 6.1

 

5       Clause 17 of Schedule 6.1 amended

In clause 17(1)(a) of Schedule 6.1, replace “first application” with “first application”.

 

Part 3

Amendments to Part 6A of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

6       Clause 6A.4 replaced (Distributor agreements)

         Replace clause 6A.4 with:

6A.4 Distributor agreements and policies

(1)     Every distributor in respect of which there is a connected retailer or a connected generator carrying on business in a different company or other entity to the distributor must—­

(a)     have a comprehensive, written distributor agreement that provides for the supply of line function services and information to the connected retailer or connected generator (as the case may be); and

(b)     ensure that the terms of that distributor agreement do not discriminate in favour of one business and do not contain arrangements that include elements that the business usually omits, or omit elements that the business usually includes, in distributor agreements with unrelated parties; and

          (c) operate in accordance with that distributor agreement; and

                   (d) publish that distributor agreement and provide it to the Authority.

(2)     In the case of a distributor in respect of which there is a connected retailer or a connected generator and the corporate separation rule under clause 6A.3 does not apply, instead of having a distributor agreement in accordance with subclause (1), the distributor must—­

(a)    maintain a comprehensive, written internal connected generator policy or connected retailer policy (as the case may be) that—­

(i)   details the supply of line function services and information to the connected retailer or connected generator; and

(ii)  sets out how the distributor will not discriminate in favour of the connected retailer or connected generator; and

(iii) sets out how the distributor will ensure that the way it deals with the connected retailer or connected generator is on the same terms under which the distributor usually contracts with unrelated parties; and

(b)     operate in accordance with that connected generator policy or connected retailer policy; and

(c)     publish that connected generator policy or connected retailer policy and provide it to the Authority.

         (3)     In this clause, unless the context otherwise requires,­­­­­—­

connected generator, in relation to a distributor, means a generator—

(a)     that has connected generation of more than 10 MW of generation that is connected to any of the distributor’s networks; and

          (b) in respect of which the distributor, or any other person involved in the distributor, is involved

                 connected retailer, in relation to a distributor, means a retailer—

(a)     that is involved in retailing more than 5 GWh of electricity on the distributor’s local network in a financial year to customers who are connected to that network; and

 (b)    in respect of which the distributor, or any other person involved in the distributor, is involved

         local network means a network operated by a distributor in a contiguous geographic area or areas

                   unrelated parties, in relation to a distributor, means parties that are—

(a)         connected or related only by the transaction or dealing in question; and

(b)         acting independently; and

(c)         each acting in its own best interests.

(4)     A distributor required to have a distributor agreement or a connected generator policy or a connected retailer policy under this clause must submit to the Authority a statement indicating whether, in the preceding calendar year,—

(a)     the terms in the distributor agreement or the connected generator policy or the connected retailer policy are a true and fair view of the terms on which line function services and information were supplied in respect of the retailing or generating to which the agreement or the policy relates; and

(b)     this clause was otherwise fully complied with.

 

7       Clause 6A.9 replaced (Authority may grant Part 6A dispensation to specified person)

         Replace clause 6A.9 with:

6A.9 Effect of Part 6A dispensation to specified person

(1)     [Revoked]

(1A)  A Part 6A dispensation continues in force until it is amended or revoked in accordance with subclause (6), or until it expires according to its terms.

(2)     [Revoked]

(3)     [Revoked]

(4)     [Revoked]

(5)     [Revoked]

(6)     The Authority may amend or revoke a Part 6A dispensation by issuing a notice that identifies the specified person subject to the Part 6A dispensation and gives reasons for the amendment or revocation, but only if the Authority—

(a)     has given notice of the proposed amendment or revocation to the specified person subject to the Part 6A dispensation and given them a reasonable opportunity to comment; and

(b)     in relation to an amendment, is satisfied that the amendment is necessary or desirable for the purpose of achieving the Authority’s objectives in section 15 of the Act; and

 (c)    in relation to a revocation, is no longer satisfied that it is not necessary, for the purpose of achieving the Authority’s objectives under section 15 of the Act, for the specified person to comply with this Part or the specific provisions of this Part.

(7)     The Authority must publish a list of all current Part 6A dispensations.

 

Part 4

Amendments to Part 6B of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

8       Clause 6B.4 amended (Connection enhancement cost allocation requirements)

In clause 6B.4(1), replace “capacity” with “capacity”.

9       Clause 6B.7 amended (Requirements for a pioneer scheme)

(1)     In clause 6B.7(5), replace “purchasing” with “buying”.

(2)     In clause 6B.7(5)(b), replace “must” with “must”.

 

10     Clause 6B.9 amended (Distributors must publish information on pioneer schemes)

In clause 6B.9(1)(c), replace “details” with “details”.

 

11      Clause 6B.11 amended (Connection charge reconciliation requirements)

(1)     In clause 6B.11(4)—

(a)     replace “incremental distribution revenue” with “incremental distribution revenue estimate”; and

(b)     replace “incremental transmission revenue estimates” with “incremental transmission revenue estimate”.

(2)     Replace clause 6B.11(4)(d) with:

(d)     for an incremental distribution revenue estimate only, and only where the incremental cost estimate includes an operating cost loading which is not zero, multiplying the amount derived after the application of paragraph (c) by the distributor’s incremental opex scaling factor calculated in accordance with subclause (5).

 

Part 5

Amendments to Part 7 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

12     Clause 7.18 amended (Process if the Authority does not approve a proposal for consultation)

In clause 7.18(4), delete “to” after “If the Authority does not”.

 

Part 6

Amendments to Part 8 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

13     Clause 8.25 amended (Other asset owner performance obligations and technical standards)

In clause 8.25(6), delete “If the Authority approves the system operator’s request, the information must be provided to the system operator by the relevant embedded generator in a form and manner determined by the Authority.”

 

Part 7

Amendments to Part 10 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

14     Clause 10.29B replaced (Grid owner may electrically connect point of connection to grid)

Replace clause 10.29B with:

10.29B Grid owner or designated transmission customer may electrically connect point of connection to grid

(1)     Subject to clause 10.33A, the only parties who may electrically connect a point of connection to the grid are—

(a)     a grid owner; or

(b)     a designated transmission customer.

(2)     A grid owner may only electrically connect a point of connection under subclause (1) if—

(a)     in the case of the electrical connection of a direct consumer, the grid owner has received written confirmation from the direct consumer that there is a trader identified as responsible for settlement of the electricity conveyed at the point of connection from the time of electrical connection; or

(b)     in the case of the electrical connection of a local network, the grid owner has received written confirmation from the distributor for that local network that one or more traders are identified as responsible for settlement of the electricity conveyed at the point of connection from the time of electrical connection; or

(c)     in the case of a grid connected generator, the grid owner has received written confirmation from the grid connected generator that the grid connected generator is responsible under Part 15 for the delivery of submission information for the electricity conveyed at the point of connection from the time of electrical connection.

(3)     A designated transmission customer may only electrically connect a point of connection to the grid under subclause (1) if—

(a)     the designated transmission customer and the grid owner have a transmission agreement in place that permits the designated transmission customer to electrically connect that point of connection to the grid; and

(b)     the designated transmission customer is, or one or more traders are identified as, responsible under Part 15 for the delivery of submission information for the electricity conveyed at the point of connection from the time of electrical connection.

 

15     Clause 10.29C replaced (Grid owner may electrically disconnect or disconnect point of connection to grid)

Replace clause 10.29C with:

10.29C Grid owner or designated transmission customer may electrically disconnect or disconnect point of connection to grid

(1)     Subject to subclause (2), only a grid owner may disconnect a point of connection to the grid.

(1A)  Subject to subclauses (2) and (3), only a grid owner or designated transmission customer may electrically disconnect a point of connection to the grid.

(2)     A grid owner may disconnect or electrically disconnect a point of connection to the grid that it owns or operates only if the action is required for the grid owner to meet its obligations—

(a)     under an enactment, including this Code; or

(b)     under its transmission agreement with the designated transmission customer at the point of connection.

(3)     A designated transmission customer may electrically disconnect a point of connection to the grid only when it is permitted to do so under its transmission agreement with the grid owner.

 

Schedule 10.1

 

16     Table 3 of Schedule 10.1 amended

(1)     In Schedule 10.1, Table 3, row 2, column 1, insert “and metering installation expiry date is changed” after “no meters replaced”.

(2)     In Schedule 10.1, Table 3, row 3, column 1—

(a)     delete “one or more meters replaced with a certified meter(s),”; and

(b)     replace “remains” with “remaining”.

(3)     In Schedule 10.1, Table 3, row 4, column 1—

(a)     delete “one or more meters replaced with a certified meter(s),”; and

(b)     replace “remains” with “remaining”.

 

17     Table 5 of Schedule 10.1 replaced

Replace Table 5 of Schedule 10.1 with:

Meter and data storage device standards

Standards

Electricity metering equipment (AC) – Part 1: General requirements, tests and test conditions (class indexes A, B and C)

EN 50470-1 +A1:2018

Electricity metering equipment (AC) – Part 2: Particular requirements – Electromechanical meters for active energy (class indexes A and B)

EN 50470-2+AMD1:2018

Electricity metering equipment (AC) – Part 3: Particular requirements – Static meters for active energy (classes 0.5, 1 and 2)

EN 50470-3:2022

Electricity metering equipment (AC) – Particular requirements – Part 11: Electromechanical meters for active energy (classes 0.5, 1 and 2)

IEC 62053-11+AMD1:2016

Electricity metering equipment (AC) – Particular requirements – Part 21: Static meters for active energy (classes 1 and 2)

IEC 62053-21:2020

Electricity metering equipment (AC) – Particular requirements – Part 22: Static meters for active energy (classes 0.1 S, 0.2 S and 0.5 S)

IEC 62053-22:2020

Electricity metering equipment (AC) – Particular requirements – Part 23: Static meters for reactive energy (classes 2 and 3)

IEC 62053-23:2020

Electricity metering equipment (AC) – Particular requirements – Part 61: Power consumption and voltage requirements

IEC 62053-61:1998

Electricity metering equipment (AC) – General requirements, tests and test conditions – Part 11: Metering equipment

IEC 62052-11:2020

Measuring transformer standards

 

Instrument transformers – Part 1: General requirements

IEC 61869-1:2023

Instrument transformers – Part 2: Additional requirements for current transformers

IEC 61869-2:2012

Instrument transformers – Part 3: Additional requirements for inductive voltage transformers

IEC 61869-3:2011

Instrument transformers – Part 4: Additional requirements for combined transformers

IEC 61869-4:2013

Instrument transformers – Part 5: Additional requirements for Capacitor voltage transformers

IEC 61869-5:2011

Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 1: General rules

IEC 60358-1:2025

Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 2: AC or DC single-phase coupling capacitor connected between line and ground for power line carrier-frequency (PLC) application

IEC 60358-2:2013

Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 3: AC or DC coupling capacitor for harmonic-filters applications

IEC 60358-3:2013

Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 4: AC or DC single phase capacitor dividers

IEC 60358-4:2018

Instrument transformers – Part 7: Electronic voltage transformers

IEC 60044-7:1999

Instrument transformers – Part 8: Electronic current transformers

IEC 60044-8:2002

Other standards

 

Electricity metering equipment (AC) – Tariff and load control – Part 11: Particular requirements for electronic ripple control receivers

IEC 62054-11:2004+AMD1:2016

Electricity metering equipment (AC) – Tariff and load control – Part 21: Particular requirements for time switches

IEC 62054-21+AMD1:2017

 

Schedule 10.7

 

18     Clause 14 of Schedule 10.7 amended

In clause 14 of Schedule 10.7 after subclause (6), insert:

(7)     If the certifying ATH makes a subsequent visit to the metering installation under subclause (4) and there is insufficient electricity conveyed through the point of connection to allow the certifying ATH to complete the tests set out in Table 4 of Schedule 10.1—

(a)     the certifying ATH must notify the metering equipment provider that there was insufficient electricity to complete the tests; and

(b)     within 3 business days of receiving notice from the certifying ATH under subclause (7)(a), the metering equipment provider must notify the trader responsible for that metering installation that there was insufficient electricity to complete the tests.  

(8)     A trader notified under subclause (7)(b) must, within 10 business days, identify a date and time at which there is likely to be sufficient electricity conveyed through the point of connection for the tests set out in Table 4 of Schedule 10.1 to be completed, and notify the metering equipment provider of that date and time.

(9)     The metering equipment provider notified under subclause (8) must ensure that a certifying ATH makes a subsequent visit to the metering installation which occurs—

(a)     as soon as practicable, but no later than 20 business days after the metering equipment provider receives notification under subclause (8); and

(b)     at a day and time identified by the trader under subclause (8).

(10)   If the certifying ATH makes a subsequent visit to the metering installation pursuant to subclause (9)—

(a)     subclauses (5) or (6) apply, as the case may be, with necessary amendments; or

(b)     the certifying ATH must notify the metering equipment provider within one business day if there is insufficient electricity conveyed through a point of connection to allow the certifying ATH to complete the tests.

 

 

Part 8

Amendments to Part 11 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

19     Clause 11.5 amended (Participants may request that distributors create ICP identifiers for ICPs)

In clause 11.5(2)(b), replace “11.6” with “11.16”.

 

20     Clause 11.30B amended (Provision of information on electricity plan comparison site)

In clause 11.30B(5), replace “11.30A” with “11.30B”.

 

21     Clause 11.32EA amended (Retailer actions on receipt of requests from agents)

In clause 11.32EA(2)(a), replace “;” with “;”.

 

Schedule 11.1

 

22     Clause 3 of Schedule 11.1 amended

In clause 3(1) of Schedule 11.1 after paragraph (b), insert:

(c)     for ICPs created after 1 September 2026, there is reasonable access to enable the ICP to be electrically disconnected and either of the following applies—

(i)     the isolation point to which access is needed to enable electrical disconnection of the ICP is located at the premises at which the electricity conveyed from the ICP is consumed; or

(ii)    the consumer at the premises at which the electricity is conveyed from the ICP is consumed has a right of access to the isolation point to which access is needed to enable electrical disconnection of the ICP.

 

23     Clause 7 of Schedule 11.1 replaced

(1)     In clause 7(1)(o) of Schedule 11.1, replace subparagraph (i) with:

(i)     the maximum export power of the distributed generation connected to the ICP, in kW; and

(2)     In clause 7(6) of Schedule 11.1, replace “10MW” with “10 MW”.

 

24     Clause 17 of Schedule 11.1 amended

(1)     In clause 17(1) of Schedule 11.1, replace “The” with “Except as provided in subclause (3), the”.

(2)     In clause 17 of Schedule 11.1 after subclause (2), insert:

(3)     The ICP status of “Active” may be managed by a distributor where—

(a)     the relevant distributor has managed the “Inactive” status of the ICP under clause 19(2); and

(b)     the interruption of electricity supply affecting the ICP indicated by the “Inactive” status has been resolved.

 

25     Clause 23 of Schedule 11.1 amended

(1)     In clause 23(5) of Schedule 11.1, replace “1” with “one”.

(2)     In clause 23 of Schedule 11.1 after subclause (5), insert:

(6)     Despite subclauses (2), (3) and (4), a price category code may take effect in respect of an ICP earlier than the specified date, provided the trader who trades at that ICP and the customer at that ICP have given written consent to the distributor for that price category code to take effect on an earlier date.

 

Part 9

Amendments to Part 11A of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

26     Clause 11A.17 amended (Retailer to publish plan catalogue)

In clause 11A.17 after subclause (2), insert:

(3)     Where a retailer offers different product offerings and pricing plans under different brands, the retailer may satisfy subclause (1) by publishing and keeping updated different plan catalogues for the retailer’s different brands, each detailing the different product offerings and pricing plans of the relevant brand only.

 

Schedule 11A.1

 

27     New clause 1A of Schedule 11A.1 inserted

In Schedule 11A.1, after clause 1, insert:

1A     Interpretation where multiple brands used

Where a retailer offers different product offerings and pricing plans under different brands, each reference to available product offerings and related pricing plans in clauses 8, 17, 17A, 23 and 25 is a reference to the available product offerings and related pricing plans of the relevant brand only.

 

28     Clause 6 of Schedule 11A.1 amended

In clause 6 of Schedule 11A.1, insert “who maintains a customer-facing website” after “Each retailer”.

 

29     Clause 48 of Schedule 11A.1 amended

In clause 48(2) of Schedule 11A.1, insert “at” after “which must be”.

 

Schedule 11A.2

 

30     Clause 7 of Schedule 11A.2 amended

In clause 7 of Schedule 11A.2, after subclause (3), insert:

(4)     Where a retailer offers different pricing plans under different brands, each reference to pricing plan in this clause is a reference to the pricing plans of the relevant brand only.

 

Part 10

Amendments to Part 12 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

31     Clause 12A.7 amended (Payments for injection)

(1)     In clause 12A.7(1), insert “consumers” after “designed to target residential”.

(2)     In clause 12A.7(1A), replace “to” with “in respect of” after “not required to be offered or paid”.

 

Schedule 12A.4

 

32     Clause 6 of Schedule 12A.4 amended

In Schedule 12A.4, clause 6, Table, row 1, column 1, delete “1”.

 

33     Schedule 12A.4, Appendix A, clause 9.10 amended

(1)     In Schedule 12A.4, Appendix A, replace clause 9.10(b) with:

(b)     despite clauses 21 and 24, reduce the Distribution Services charges paid by the Trader in respect of the ICP or ICPs for that Customer during which supply of electricity was interrupted for longer than 24 continuous hours, either by:

(i)      setting the billed quantities for each day during which the interruption continues and the day the interruption ends, but not the first day during which the interruption began, to zero; or

(ii)     setting the billed quantities for each day during which the interruption continues and the day the interruption began, but not the last day during which the interruption ends, to zero; and

(2)     In Schedule 12A.4, Appendix A, clause 9.10, after subclause (b), insert:

(c)     provide the reduction in Distribution Services charges referred to in subclause (b) to the Trader either:

(i)      in the next monthly billing cycle; or

(ii)     by the Distributor and Trader agreeing to the Distributor giving a rebate to the Trader to be made as soon as practicable and in any case, not later than 3 months after the day the interruption ended.

 

Part 11

Amendments to Part 13 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

34     Clause 13.6 amended (Requirements for generators when submitting offers)

In clause 13.6(3), replace “1st” with “first”.

 

35     Clause 13.219 amended (Information that must be submitted)

         Replace clause 13.219(1)(gb) with:

(gb)   if the contract is or includes a demand response contract—

(i)      the demand response price, if specified in the contract; and

(ii)     the node at which each price is set; and

(iii)    if no demand response price is specified, whether consideration for exercising a right to demand response in the contract is linked to—  

(A)    price(s) in the contract referred to in paragraph (i); or

(B)    other agreements between the parties (in which case, this must be specified); and

(iv)    the minimum and maximum duration of demand response provision under the contract; and

(v)     the specified volume of electricity by which consumption may be reduced; and

(vi)    the minimum notice period prior to exercising a right to demand response; and

(vii) the limits, if specified, on repeated use of the demand response provisions; and

(viii) the demand response premium, if specified in the contract:

 

Part 12

Amendments to Part 14 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

36     Clause 14.34 amended (Payments by clearing manager)

(1)     In clause 14.34(1)—

(a)     insert “issue payment instructions to the bank with which each operating account is held by 1600 hours on the final business day for payment under clause 14.31, to” after “the clearing manager must”; and

(b)     delete “by 1600 hours on the final business day for payment under clause 14.31” after “as payable by the clearing manager to the participant”.

 

37     Clause 14.64 amended (Interest payable to participants)

In clause 14.64(1), insert “and subpart 8 applies” after “payable under this Part”.

 

Schedule 14.4

 

38     Schedule 14.4, Form 1, clause 2 amended

In Schedule 14.4, Form 1, clause 2, definition of floating price, insert “calculated” after “per MWh for that calculation period”.

 

39     Schedule 14.4, Form 2, clause 2 amended

In Schedule 14.4, Form 2, clause 2, definition of floating price, insert “calculated” after “per MWh for that calculation period”.

 

40     Schedule 14.4, Form 3, clause 2 amended

In Schedule 14.4, Form 3, clause 2, definition of floating price, insert “calculated” after “per MWh for that calculation period”.

 

41     Schedule 14.4, Form 4, clause 2 amended

(1)     In Schedule 14.4, Form 4, clause 2, definition of floating price, insert “calculated” after “per MWh for that calculation period”.

(2)     In Schedule 14.4, Form 4, clause 2, definition of maximum variable quantity, replace “MWh” with “MWh”.

 

42     Schedule 14.4, Form 4, Schedule amended

(1)     In Schedule 14.4, Form 4, Schedule, replace “MWh” with “MWh” in the “Baseload” row.

(2)     In Schedule 14.4, Form 4, Schedule, replace “MWh” with “MWh” in the “Maximum variable quantity” row.

 

Part 13

Amendments to Part 15 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

43     Clause 15.28 amended (Transitional provisions concerning revisions)

         In clause 15.28(3A), replace “July” with “August” in each place.

 

Part 14

Amendments to Part 16A of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

44     Clause 16A.23 amended (Additional requirements for distributor audits)

         In clause 16A.23, after paragraph (c), insert:

(d)     the sharing of information a distributor is required to share in accordance with an EIEP prescribed by the Authority under this Code, including compliance with the business requirements, data format and validation rules contained within the EIEP.

 

45     New clause 16A.24A inserted (Additional requirements for reconciliation participation audits)

         After clause 16A.24, insert:

16A.24A Additional requirements for reconciliation participant audits

In addition to the requirements specified in clauses 16A.3 to 16A.16, a reconciliation participant must ensure that the auditor carrying out an audit audits the reconciliation participant’s processes and procedures in relation to the sharing of information the reconciliation participant is required to share in accordance with an EIEP prescribed by the Authority, including compliance with the business requirements, data format and validation rules contained within the EIEP.

 

 

 

Part 15

Amendments to Part 17 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code

 

46     Clause 17.1 amended (Transitional provisions for definitions)

         In clause 17.1(3), replace “distributor kvar reference node” with “connected asset owner kvar reference node” in each place.

 

 

Made at Wellington on 24 July 2026.

 

 

 

 

 

Erik Westergaard

Deputy Chair

Electricity Authority

 

 

 

 

Certified in order for signature:

 

 

                                                           

 

 

John-Luke Day                                                           Nick Crang

Senior Legal Counsel                                                 Consultant

Electricity Authority                                                  Duncan Cotterill

22 July 2026                                                               22 July 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explanatory Note

 

This note is not part of the amendment but is intended to indicate its general effect.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is secondary legislation issued under the authority of the Legislation Act 2019.

Title

Electricity Industry Participation Code (Code Review Programme) Amendment 2026

Principal or amendment

Amendment

Consolidated version

No

Empowering Act and provisions

Electricity Industry Act 2010, section 38

Replacement empowering Act and provisions

Not applicable

Maker name

Electricity Authority

Administering agency

Electricity Authority

Date made

24 July 2026

Publication date

29 July 2026

Notification date

28 July 2026

Commencement date

1 September 2026

End date (when applicable)

Not applicable

Consolidation as at date

Not applicable

Related instruments

Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010