Updates to connection requirements
Changes from 1 April 2026
There have been several important changes to electricity connection requirements that took effect from 1 April 2026. These changes arise from new national rules introduced by the Electricity Authority to improve fairness, transparency, and consistency in how connection charges are structured across New Zealand.
These updates apply to all lines companies, including Northpower, and will affect the way we price, explain, and deliver new or upgraded electricity connections. They also help support efficient growth across our network as Northland continues to expand.
Below is a summary of the four key changes.
Minimum scheme requirement
Connection charges must now be based on the lowest‑cost solution (the minimum scheme) that still meets all safety and technical standards.
What this means for you:
- You will not be charged for enhancements or upgrades unless you explicitly request them.
- If you do want additional redundancy or future‑proofing, you can still select a higher‑spec solution, with costs adjusted accordingly.
- Flexible options (such as demand management arrangements) may be available depending on project needs.
This requirement is designed to ensure consistency and avoid unnecessary upfront costs.
Pioneer schemes
Where a new connection triggers a significant network extension, a pioneer scheme must be established (with some exceptions, such as real estate developments).
This addresses situations where the first connecting customer has historically borne a disproportionate share of costs.
What this means for you:
- First to connect: You may receive contributions back from later customers who benefit from the extension.
- Connecting later: You may be required to contribute to earlier shared infrastructure costs.
Pioneer schemes will apply when:
- the connection exceeds $50,000 (inflation‑adjusted December 2025 dollars),
- the connection is not part of a development designed for re‑sale, and
- the scheme duration is seven years.
More information
Connection charge reconciliation
Customers can now request a standardised reconciliation that explains how their connection charge is presented. This document outlines:
- incremental costs (direct costs of connecting you and using existing capacity),
- network cost contributions (your portion of the cost of using the shared network), and
- incremental revenue (expected network revenue over time).
Important notes:
- The reconciliation does not change your quote or create a new charge.
- It may look different from your quote because it follows a national template set by the Electricity Authority.
- Standard connections may receive a standardised reconciliation, rather than a bespoke one.
This change is primarily about improving transparency and consistency, not altering pricing.
Capacity costing
Effective for pricing from 1 April 2027 (disclosure required from 1 April 2026)
Capacity is the amount of electricity the network can safely carry at any given time. Under the new rules, if a network upgrade is required to provide additional capacity:
- Costs must be recovered using clear, published capacity rates.
- The full upgrade cost cannot be assigned to the customer who triggers it.
From 1 April 2026, capacity costing must be included in reconciliations as an estimated disclosure. From 1 April 2027, published capacity rates will apply to pricing.
What this means for you:
- Charges related to network capacity will become more predictable.
- Customers will no longer face disproportionate costs because of timing.
Understanding loads and congestion
These changes do not standardise prices across all lines companies. Connection charges will continue to vary by location, design requirements, and practical network conditions. Northpower’s technical and safety standards for new or upgraded connections remain unchanged.
We encourage surveyors, developers, and consultants to engage with us early in the connection process so we can help you understand how these changes may apply to your project. If you would like more information, or wish to request a connection charge reconciliation, please contact us.
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