Maximising benefits from local electricity generation

We’re seeking feedback on proposals to make export limits more efficient, so residential solar, wind, solar farms and other distributed generation can supply more electricity to networks.

Export limits are caps on the amount of electricity that distributed generation can supply to networks at any one time. They are an important tool for distributors to manage the safety and reliability of their networks.

However, recent changes (eg, higher voltage limits) make this a sensible time to consider whether export limits could provide greater benefit to consumers.

We’re proposing four changes that would, in general, raise export limits, making them more efficient, while maintaining the safety and reliability of networks.

The proposed changes would require:

• a default 10kW export limit for small-scale distributed generation (such as residential solar) using the streamlined application process
  
• inverters to use the Australian voltage response settings, as defaults, when the streamlined application process is used, which increases export levels
  
• distributors to use an industry-developed methodology to set bespoke export limits for larger-scale distributed generation
  
• all distributed generation applications on low-voltage networks to use the latest inverter performance standard.

This is the first step to raise export limits to efficient levels, while giving distributors the tools they need to protect the network.

In future work, the Authority will consider further ways to increase the amount of electricity that can be shared from distributed generators, so consumers see the full benefits of this technology.

We expect more efficient export limits to help lower costs for all New Zealanders over time by maximising the benefits of distributed generation, reducing the need to generate high-cost electricity and build expensive new infrastructure.

More electricity from distributed generation would also help strengthen communities’ resilience to severe weather events and natural disasters, support better returns for distributed generators, and encourage investments in larger systems that have extra capacity to support networks.

Feedback on the proposals is due by 5pm, 19 November 2025.