The Authority plays a critical role for all New Zealanders. The industry we steward provides an essential service. Electricity is a foundation for modern life, wellbeing and the economy.

Climate change, new economic drivers, consumer behaviours and external expectations have all shifted the way in which energy system development is considered. Impacts of COVID-19 also continue to affect our lives.

Resetting our strategy is an important step in this journey – giving the Authority the necessary foundation to meet new expectations and achieve better outcomes for New Zealand.

Our purpose

Our primary function remains to regulate New Zealand’s electricity system and markets, actively monitoring behaviour, enforcing the rules and holding industry participants to account.

However, we recognise that as the regulator, our work also provides a platform for the country to achieve its aspirations for enhanced quality of life, prosperity and environment.

We take our responsibility very seriously.

Five key sector ambitions now focus us, and five key strategic capabilities underpin success. This ensures delivery against our statutory objective creates a platform for economic recovery, growth and wider long-term benefit for New Zealand.

Our strategic framework (click here to enlarge)

We want consumer centricity to guide regulation and the industry

Consumer centricity

When decision making is centred around consumer outcomes, more diverse needs can be met. We will put consumers – whether they be individuals, households, communities, small, medium or large businesses or industrial consumers – and our understanding of their varied perspectives front and centre of what we do and how we do it.

We want low-emissions energy to electrify the economy

Low-emissions energy

Electrification is a key enabler in the transition to a low-emissions economy. We need to promote a stable investment environment with robust rules and clear price signals to unlock the potential for more renewable generation and ensure the transition is as efficient as possible.

We want to build trust and confidence in the industry for all stakeholders

Trust and confidence

As regulator, we need to continue using markets and our compliance function to create the right incentives for progress. We want participants to have regulatory confidence, stakeholders to trust in the system’s performance, to see better practice across industry and for consumers to feel empowered to act.

We want to see thriving competition delivering better outcomes for New Zealanders

Thriving competition

Market competition is a key enabler to deliver a better energy future. We’re committed to encouraging participation and reinforcing competition in traditional and emerging markets by putting in place the mechanisms needed to maintain a level playing field.

We want to see innovation flourishing

Innovation flourishing

Evolution of the electricity system will be achieved through innovation and disruption, with participants and the Authority thinking beyond the status quo. Our role is to help unlock the full benefits of innovation for consumers by making sure the settings are conducive to innovation and industry success.

Learn more

Our new strategy was first published in our Statement of Intent 2020-2024.

More information about our new strategy and the work we’re doing to support these ambitions is available in our Statement of Intent 2021-2025.

Our strategy has been informed by a range of internal workshops with our staff and Board, and external engagement with stakeholders, industry, and consumers.

  • Strategy development

    Published: 07/02/2020 12:00am

    The Authority is resetting its strategy to respond to the ongoing and rapid changes in the electricity sector. Read More