Promoting reliable electricity supply: Options to address a harmonics issue

We are 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 can affect the quality and reliability of electricity. As the power system changes and new technologies connect, the way harmonics are governed needs to keep pace. Improving the current framework can help remove unnecessary costs on electricity industry participants, which in turn may assist with placing downward pressure on electricity prices faced by consumers.

The three options we are consulting on are:

• replacing the existing harmonics standard with more modern, internationally-aligned requirements
• replacing the existing harmonics standard with updated industry power quality guidelines, as a non‑mandatory approach
• updating the existing harmonics standard to address its known shortcomings.

We are also considering whether a shared database of harmonics measurements could support better visibility of harmonics on the power system and reduce duplication of effort.

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

Feedback is welcomed by 5pm, Tuesday 30 June 2026.