Consultation opens on proposals to improve network visibility

We’re seeking feedback on proposals that would help shine light on capacity and constraints on electricity networks.

Better visibility about what’s happening on the network would support more efficient connections of new generation, load and energy storage, and the use of other distributed energy resources. Over time, we expect improving network visibility would increase competition, enhance security of supply and support lower costs flowing through to consumers’ power bills.

The proposals would require distributors to develop and publish information about their high-voltage networks, including:

• load and export capacity (current and forecast)
• network topology
• planned upgrades
• historical reliability
• potential use of non-network solutions as alternatives to expanding the network to cope with higher demand peaks.

We further propose information must be published in a standardised and accessible format to ensure it can be easily understood and used by others.

Widespread benefits of proposals

Improved visibility of network hosting capacity helps take the guesswork out of where flexibility providers and distributed generators should connect on the network and where non-network services have value.

This would mean more informed investment decisions, supporting more services entering the market, more quickly. This benefit also applies to consumers who use or supply electricity at times to optimise the use of available network capacity, which can support deferring or avoiding network upgrades.

For distributors, we think improved network visibility would support better network optimisation and planning, and help them identify where flexibility services could be used to defer or avoid network upgrades.

Initial focus is on high-voltage networks

We note most distributors already have good visibility of their high-voltage assets and power flows, and some already make some information about capacity publicly available by publishing high-voltage network capacity maps.

While we think improving visibility may be useful for all parts of distributors’ networks, we are focusing first on high-voltage networks to minimise set-up costs for distributors. This would also provide valuable insights and information that would help us to consider whether to expand the proposals to other parts of the networks.

Our thinking is informed by earlier engagement and analysis

The consultation follows analysis of existing information disclosure requirements, and our earlier discussion paper and in-person workshop in September-October 2025.

In making these proposals, we have carefully considered the Commerce Commission’s existing information disclosure regime. We have been engaging with the Commission on our proposal, and, if the proposals proceed, would work with the Commission to reduce any overlaps and minimise duplication of effort.

We welcome views on all proposals by 5pm, 16 June 2026.

The consultation aligns with the Authority’s broader work to support more efficient networks, such as the new rules that create streamlined application processes to connect and encouraging distributors to actively consider non-network solutions where they improve network efficiency and reduce costs. Improved network visibility also supports future development of demand-side flexibility dispatch, as recommended by the Market Development Advisory Group (recommendation 19 in its final report).

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