Northpower operates a pioneer scheme so that a connection applicant who intends to use a network extension that has been previously paid for by another customer will contribute to the cost of the original works. The customer who initially paid for the extension (the First Pioneer) then receives a rebate. Note this excludes real estate developments.

Operating a pioneer scheme helps to ensure that the costs of extension assets and works are shared across connecting parties in a fair and efficient manner. 

We have the role of administering the scheme, including collecting Pioneer Scheme contributions, determining whether any later connections will also take on pioneer status, and providing rebates to the Pioneer (or Pioneers).  

This policy explains how we determine which extensions qualify as a Pioneer Scheme, the information that we will publish about each scheme, how we determine contributions and rebates, and various other aspects of how we administer the schemes.  

Our policy has been developed to meet both the requirements of Part 6B.6 to 6B.9 of the Electricity Participation Code, as well as the policies and practices that guide Northpower connections arrangements.