Next steps on multiple trading relationships and switching

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko would like to thank everyone who provided feedback in our June-July consultation on multiple trading relationships and switching.

Submitters were generally supportive of our proposals to make switching more effective and efficient but expressed concerns about the industry cost of implementing the multiple trading relationships proposal.

We have listened to submitters’ concerns, engaged with the Switch and Data Formats Group, and developed a revised proposal that would be simpler and more cost-effective. It would also mean changes could be in place sooner, so consumers can benefit earlier.

We will consult on this revised proposal in late January 2026 alongside an updated independent assessment of the associated costs and benefits. This supplementary consultation will be open for three weeks.

We encourage stakeholders to look out for the consultation and have their say.

These proposals are part of our consumer mobility work to provide more choice, more control and better value for consumers. A future where households and businesses can easily compare and switch plans and providers, choose different providers for different services, and use and manage electricity in ways that best suit their needs and keeps costs down.

About our consumer mobility work