Guidance for health practitioners to support medically dependent consumers published

On 1 April 2025, the Consumer Care Obligations came into full force, providing extra protections for medically dependent consumers.

The Electricity Authority has published updated guidance for health practitioners to understand their role in helping patients who may be medically dependent on electricity. It replaces a previous version from before the Customer Care Obligations were mandated.

This guide helps health practitioners to:

• identify a medically dependent consumer
• assist the medically dependent consumer to confirm their status with their power company
• help the medically dependent consumer develop an emergency response plan.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora will distribute this guidance to health practitioners.

If you have any questions relating to this guide or the Consumer Care Obligations, please contact consumercare@ea.govt.nz.

Health Practitioners’ Guide