Consumer feedback supports better billing for New Zealanders

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority) would like to thank everyone who gave their feedback in November 2025 as part of our Improving electricity billing in New Zealand consultation.

We’ve been consulting on proposed changes that would make electricity bills clearer and more useful for consumers so they can compare plans and get a better deal on their power. The survey asked for your feedback on these proposed changes so we can ensure the improvements work for households and businesses across New Zealand.

The proposed changes focus on:

• Standardising electricity bills to make them clearer and consistent
• Helping consumers move to a better plan for their needs and offering low-risk trials for time-of-use plans
• Making plan comparisons easier
• Offering protections from catch-up bills and making these payments manageable
• Power companies having a website page, app, or contact number where consumers can see and ask about all the plans they’re eligible for.

The Authority was heartened that more than 1,500 consumers took the time to share their feedback on the consultation. We will use this information to inform our next steps to improve electricity bills.

Each proposed change received overwhelming backing, with more than 90% of consumers in support. The consumer feedback also highlighted ongoing challenges for consumers:

• Nearly 90% say it’s difficult to know whether they’re on the best or cheapest plan for their whānau
• More than half find it challenging to find the information they need on their bills.

These changes sit within our consumer mobility work programme: projects that will deliver more choice, more control and better value for all electricity consumers.

We are now considering all feedback from consumers and written submissions from industry participants and will publish a decision in early 2026.

Read the key results

View the consultation