Options to update the governance of harmonics

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority) is seeking feedback on three options for updating the regulatory arrangements governing the management of harmonics on New Zealand’s power system.

Harmonics are electrical disturbances that distort electricity supply. If they’re not well managed, they can interfere with how electrical equipment operates, shorten the lifespan of appliances, increase the risk of equipment faults and add unnecessary costs that ultimately affect electricity prices for consumers.

The Authority considers New Zealand’s main harmonics standard is outdated and can impose unnecessary costs on electricity industry participants, which in turn may place upward pressure on electricity prices faced by consumers.

The options put forward would support an improved approach to harmonics governance that is consistent across the electricity industry and with approaches followed overseas.

The Authority is collaborating with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and WorkSafe New Zealand, who administer and enforce the Electricity (Safety) Regulations, which also regulate harmonics.

This consultation paper is part of our review of the common quality requirements in Part 8 of the Code, within our Future Security and Resilience work programme. This programme’s focus is on ensuring New Zealand’s power system remains secure and resilient over the coming decades.

We welcome views on the benefits, costs and practical implications of the options outlined in the consultation paper.

Submissions close at 5pm, Tuesday 30 June 2026.

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