✨ Electricity Commission Regulations
3608 NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 123 30 OCTOBER 2006
• tariffs with tiers below 8,000 kWh per annum (e.g. high c/kWh for the first 2,000 kWh per annum) are proscribed to ensure that the lower fixed charge offers genuine advantages to small consumers.
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The regulations also require distribution companies to offer low fixed charge distributor tariff options (to retailers or direct to consumers) at a maximum of 15c per connection per day. Compliance with the low fixed charge policy will be measured both before and after any rebates or discounts. Any rebates or discounts must apply consistently to consumers regardless of whether they are on a low fixed charge or standard tariff option.
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The Commission will be charged with monitoring and enforcing these regulations.
Arrangements for the benefit of low income domestic consumers
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The Commission should develop arrangements and recommend regulations if necessary to ensure that:
• consumers who may have difficulty paying their bills on time have access to electricity (although in a way that does not require retailers to accept unreasonable credit risk)
• consumers have access to a mechanism to assist with budgeting if required
• consumers who have difficulty paying can avoid the costs of frequent disconnections and reconnections, and
• clear guidelines or standards exist for disconnections following non-payment.
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The Commission should consider options such as pre-payment meters, alternative payment options (such as advance payments, more frequent payments or smoothed payments) and bonds. In principle, the Government considers that bonds in excess of the value of one month’s consumption by an average household are inconsistent with fairness.
Arrangements in the event of retailer insolvency
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The Commission should establish arrangements to ensure an orderly transition for consumers in the event that a retail company becomes insolvent.
Consumer complaints resolution system
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The Government expects everyone (including potential consumers and owners and occupiers of land) to have access to a free, independent system for resolving complaints about electricity distributors (including Transpower) and electricity retailers, whether or not they have a consumer contract with the retailer or distribution company.
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The Government expects the Electricity Commission, in consultation with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, to ensure a system is in place that meets the Government’s expectations and includes the following features:
• a code of practice for electricity distributors and electricity retailers setting minimum standards of conduct
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Online Sources for this page:
VUW Te Waharoa —
NZ Gazette 2006, No 123
Gazette.govt.nz —
NZ Gazette 2006, No 123
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
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Statutory Objectives for the Electricity Commission
(continued from previous page)
🏛️ Governance & Central AdministrationElectricity, Commission, Consumer Protection, Contracts, Tariffs, Regulations, Domestic Consumers, Low Income, Complaints Resolution