Authority opens consultation on revised multiple trading relationships proposal

Today, the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko opened a supplementary consultation on a revised proposal to implement multiple trading relationships (MTRs).

We have revised our proposed MTR approach to make it simpler, more cost-effective, and quicker to implement, meaning earlier benefits for consumers.

These changes follow feedback from our June-July consultation where submitters raised concerns about the complexity and cost of implementation.

We listened to submitters’ concerns, and worked with industry through the Switch and Data Formats Group to develop an enhanced, future-proofed implementation model.

The Authority is seeking views on the proposed new MTR approach, our assessment of the costs and benefits, as well as an independent cost-benefit analysis. We welcome submissions by 5pm, Tuesday 17 February.

This project would unlock choice for consumers by allowing them to have separate contracts with different retailers for electricity services. For example, one retailer for buying electricity and another for selling surplus solar generation. This would break the single‑provider model and give people more flexibility to pick products and services that suit their needs.

By giving people more control over how they sell any surplus electricity they generate, it would help households get a better return from rooftop solar and batteries. It would also make it easier for them to choose the retailer or service that offers the best price for the electricity they export.

This project is part of our consumer mobility work to give consumers more choice, more control and better value.

View consultation