Code amendment omnibus #7 decision: Improving undercharging requirements and clarifying retail tariff plans

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko has made decisions to assist the smooth implementation of electricity billing and product data obligations that come into force shortly and will deliver benefits to consumers.

We consulted on a range of proposed amendments to the Electricity Industry Participation Code (Code) through our Code amendment omnibus #7 consultation. The proposed amendments related mainly to retailers’ obligations to consumers, as well as a proposed requirement for annual director certification for participants with automatic under-frequency load shedding (AUFLS) obligations under Part 8 of the Code.

The Authority has decided to make the following amendments:

• operational improvements to new electricity billing obligations relating to undercharged amounts
• clarifications to the definition of a generally available retail tariff plan
• technical and non-controversial amendments.

We are progressing these amendments now because they support upcoming Code obligations. We intend to make decisions on the remaining omnibus #7 proposals (AUFLS director certification and clarifications to Consumer Care Obligations) later this year.

Operational improvements to new electricity billing obligations

Two discrete changes will improve how retailers apply new protections for customers who receive an unexpected back bill. These changes help focus additional protections to be more targeted, more practical to implement, and more effective in delivering their intended consumer protections.

We have decided to introduce a threshold for when retailers must engage with customers receiving a back bill, preventing unnecessary communication on small amounts. Retailers can now use either a threshold of 25% of a customer’s average invoice over the previous 12 months, or a fixed threshold of $50 (GST inclusive), before additional support requirements apply.

We have also decided to change the requirements for how undercharged amounts are shown on bills. While retailers will no longer need to maintain a separate balance and due date for an undercharged amount on bills, they must clearly communicate the undercharged amount either on the bill itself or in a separate written communication provided alongside the bill. Where required, they must offer the customer a payment plan.

Generally available retail tariff plans

We will amend the definition of generally available retail tariff plan to make it clear that this includes plans designed for customers with specific equipment, end-uses or load profiles, such as electric vehicle or solar plans.

This clarification will help participants apply upcoming Code requirements for product information provided to consumers and third-party agents.

Technical and non‑controversial amendments

These amendments correct errors in two prescribed forms being introduced by the upcoming product data obligations. The changes will clarify the intent of the Code without changing outcomes.

When the Code amendments come into effect

These amendments support upcoming Code changes and will come into effect at the same time as the relevant Code changes:

• operational improvements to new electricity billing obligations will come into effect on 1 April 2027
• changes to the definition of generally available retail tariff plan and technical and non-controversial changes to the product data obligations will come into effect on 30 October 2026.

About Code amendment omnibus #7