Register now: webinar on improving network pricing rules for distributed generation

All are welcome to join our webinar at 11.45am–12.15pm, Thursday 2 April to hear about our proposed changes to the network pricing rules for distributed generation, such as rooftop solar, batteries and solar and wind farms.

Register here: Reforming network pricing for distributed generation webinar

The proposals will be detailed in the consultation paper available on our website earlier that morning. An easy-to-read overview of the main proposals will also be available.

We invite feedback on the proposals during the six-week consultation period through until 5pm,15 May 2026, with cross-submissions due by 5pm, 29 May 2026.

The consultation paper focuses on an initial set of proposed changes to the Distributed generation pricing principles. The pricing principles set out how lines companies charge distributed generators for the costs they create – and also how they are rewarded when their electricity supply benefits the network.

The proposals support our broader work to update the network pricing rules so distributed generation connects where it delivers the most value to consumers and supports more efficient use and management of networks, lowering costs for everyone over time.

Background

This consultation follows our issues paper in February 2025 that more broadly explored issues with the pricing principles and different approaches we could take to resolve them.

Following that consultation, we have decided to take a staged approach to reforming the pricing for distributed generation. This enables us to build a solid foundation for more efficient pricing for distributed generation and fine-tune the rules as needed to avoid unintended outcomes.

As a first step, we now require lines companies to pay a rebate when households and small businesses supply electricity to networks at peak times. The rebate is given to the retailer who can then include it in a ‘buy-back’ rate or credit offered for electricity supplied to the network. The retailer determines how this rebate is reflected in their overall tariff.

Rebates come into effect on 1 April 2026 and apply to households and other generators such as businesses, farms, marae and schools who limit their maximum export to 45kW.

Visit Distributed generation pricing principles reform for an overview of this multi-stage project.