Proposal to collect and publish energy margin information

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority) wants to collect and publish information on generators’ energy margins, and we want to hear your views about our proposed approach.

The financial information from large generators will be used to calculate energy margins which will then provide insights into generator profitability under various market conditions.

The Authority previously collected energy margin data under section 46 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 during the stressed market conditions of winter 2024. That request, issued under tight parameters, expired in December 2024 but we believe there is a need to have this information provided to us on an ongoing basis.

The data will help the Authority monitor competition in the wholesale electricity market, particularly during periods of scarcity.

It will also give greater confidence to consumers that wholesale prices are being competitively set, particularly during periods of scarcity, and that consumers have access to fair prices. Sustaining market confidence is vital to encourage investment, support industrial growth and accelerate the transition to electricity from other energy sources.

We propose to collect this information under clause 2.16 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010. Using this notice would establish a robust and ongoing framework for data collection, enabling both the Authority and participants to prepare and respond more effectively to changing market conditions.

The Authority intends to publish the data each month on our website (excluding market making costs) to improve transparency and support informed decision-making by market participants.

We welcome feedback on the proposed approach, including the scope of the notice, the categories of data to be collected and the frequency and timing of provision of the information.

We invite feedback on our proposals by 5pm, Monday 8 December.

Read the consultation

Read the proposed clause 2.16 notice