Electricity Authority releases updated improved billing guidance

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority) has published updated guidance to help power companies implement important billing reforms by 1 April 2027.

The new rules give consumers clearer information about their electricity bills, stronger protection from unexpected bills and more opportunities to find an electricity plan that suits their needs.

Power companies are encouraged to introduce the improvements as soon as they can do so safely and effectively, so their customers can benefit sooner.

The updated guidance reflects recent changes to the Electricity Industry Participation Code and provides further practical advice to support consistent and effective implementation.

This includes managing back billing protections, improving plan transparency, providing better plan advice, supporting customers on time varying plans and meeting obligations when operating multiple retail brands.

The guidance also includes prescribed wording directing customers to Billy.govt.nz, the Authority’s free and independent electricity comparison and switching service.

The Authority reminds all power companies to provide a copy of their updated bill format to ccs@ea.govt.nz as soon as possible before implementation to enable testing on Billy.