New Electricity Billing Standards (New Zealand)
The Electricity Authority (EA) has introduced new Code requirements aimed at strengthening consumer protections and improving the overall electricity billing experience for New Zealand consumers. The changes are designed to ensure customers receive clearer and more transparent information about their electricity costs, are protected from unexpectedly large back bills, and are regularly assessed to ensure they are on the most suitable plan available to them.
The Improving Electricity Billing in New Zealand Code requirements include a range of new obligations for electricity retailers, including requirements relating to bill information and presentation, limits on the period for which customers can be back billed in certain circumstances, and regular checks to identify whether customers could benefit from moving to a better available plan.
The Electricity Authority has deferred the commencement date of these requirements from 30 October 2026 to 1 April 2027.
Utilmate will develop a new invoice template for New Zealand customers who bill for electricity, which will be provided to you for review by February 2026.