Network connections project – stage one

Upcoming Open Closed Decision

View cross-submissions Cross-submissions closed 24 January 2025

Decision

We have decided to implement eight of our nine proposed changes to remove barriers and create efficiencies in the application process for connecting distributed generation (like solar farms) and large load (like industrial plant) to networks.

We think these changes will make connecting to the network easier, faster, more equitable and more consistent across New Zealand.

These rule changes support our economy through efficient development of new businesses, electricity and critical infrastructure. They also benefit consumers by reducing the time and cost to deliver new housing, and infrastructure such as public EV charging stations, manufacturing and solar farms.

Many of the proposals have been amended to make the new requirements clearer and more workable for both parties, without changing the intention behind the proposals. These amendments are in response to submitter feedback during the consultation period. We also received advice from the independent Network Connections Technical Group.

The amendments include providing greater flexibility for distributors to collectively design and manage their own connection processes. We note the next stages of this project provide opportunities for further changes if we don’t see meaningful action that supports the intended outcomes.

Following a technical consultation in September and October 2025, we finalised the Code to give effect to the new requirements. Most of the new requirements come into effect on 1 December 2026.

We held a webinar on 19 September 2025 about the new requirements. Watch the webinar.

Industry-developed common policy for managing applications to connect

In response to the Authority’s requirement that distributors develop a common policy for managing applications to connect, Electricity Networks Aotearoa published Queueing and management policy and clock stop/start mechanism for distributors (August 2026).

The policy, developed by the industry and agreed by all distributors, establishes common principles and processes for managing connection applications and is designed to improve transparency and consistency across the sector. It will also help ensure projects that are genuinely ready to proceed can continue to progress efficiently.

Improving application processes for connecting distributed generation to networks

From 1 December 2026, new rules will come into effect to improve the application process for connecting large-scale distributed generation to the network. On 1 June 2027, the rules will extend to application processes for load connections.

We are monitoring the effectiveness of distributors’ application processes for connecting distributed generation, and also load when the new rules to start apply. Our first report provides insights from the first data set, which covers a four-year period prior to the new rules coming into effect. Read the report: Monitoring distributors’ performance processing distributed generation connection applications (November 2021 – October 2025)

Decision paper

Network connections (stage one) - Decision paper

Updated 9 September 2025, with corrections noted on page 7.

Consultation

The Code requirements for connecting to distribution networks have served us well in the past. But demands on our networks are changing, and we need future-ready requirements that better serve consumers, distribution businesses, and those wanting to connect to the network or upgrade their existing connection (access seekers).

In October 2024, we sought feedback on nine proposed Code changes to improve the application process for connecting to networks.

We held a webinar on Monday 11 November to talk through the proposals and answer questions. The webinar also included a presentation about the complementary Distribution connection pricing consultation paper. Watch the webinar and read the transcript.

Consultation paper