Consultation opens for Code amendment omnibus #7

The Electricity Authority is seeking feedback on an omnibus consultation paper proposing a range of discrete changes to the Electricity Industry Participation Code (Code).

The proposals would:

• make refinements to upcoming retailer requirements relating to undercharging and back-billed amounts
• clarify that 'generally available retail tariff plans' include plans that require specific equipment, end-use or load profiles eg, electric vehicle and solar plans
• clarify the application of 'business days' and 'retention periods' in Part 11A of the Code
• require annual director certification of compliance with automatic under-frequency load shedding obligations
• make two minor technical drafting corrections to the Code.

The proposals respond to operational improvements identified by the Authority and aim to make the Code obligations clearer and easier for participants to apply, while maintain existing consumer protections.

Improving undercharging requirements

From 30 October 2026, retailers must provide extra advice and support when recovering undercharged amounts from consumers. We propose introducing a threshold for obligations relating to undercharged amounts and refinements for how information about undercharged amounts is communicated to customers.

These changes would result in better targeted communications to address consumers' risk of bill shock, and provide retailers more flexibility and reduce implementation costs.

Clarifying retail tariff plans

We propose clarifying that the definition of 'generally available retail tariff plans' includes plans that require specific equipment, end-uses, or load profiles eg, electric vehicle and solar plans.

This would align the Code with the policy intent and current practice, protecting market transparency with no expected material costs.

Clarifying Part 11A requirements

We propose clarifying that the definition of 'business day' includes relevant regional anniversary holidays. Currently, only Wellington Anniversary Day is explicitly treated as a non-business day.

We also propose clarifying that retailers must retain records only as long as reasonably necessary for the Authority to monitor and enforce compliance with the Consumer Care Obligations.

Annual director certification of AUFLS compliance

We propose requiring annual director certification of compliance with automatic under-frequency load shedding Code requirements.

Have your say

We welcome feedback on these proposals by 12 August 2026.