Promoting reliable electricity supply: Options to address a harmonics issue

Upcoming Open Closed Decision

View submissions Submissions closed 30 June 2026

Consultation

This consultation sought 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 consulted on were:

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

We welcomed your views on the benefits, costs and practical implications of the options outlined in the consultation paper. Thanks to all who provide a submission.