The gas is drawn from the transmission system owned and operated by Natural Gas Corporation (NGC).

Powerco's gas networks are in the Taranaki, Manawatu, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Wellington City, Horowhenua and Hawke's Bay regions.

The gas networks business is based on former gas operations of the New Plymouth District Council and subsequent acquisitions of Hawera Gas Company (1994) and the distribution activities of NGC in Taranaki, and acquisitions from AGL (2001) and UnitedNetworks (2002).

CONNECTING TO GAS WITH POWERCO

Natural gas is economical and energy efficient for continuous heating and hot water supply. As New Zealand’s leading natural gas distributor, Powerco operates a new-connections programme, promoting increased take-up by households and businesses in targeted locations.

There are ongoing opportunities to increase new connections across our networks, both from new subdivisions and housing markets and from existing homes already adjacent to our networks.

Powerco has committed resources towards growing gas connections and has instigated a dedicated campaign called GetGas! to assist consumers to connect to our gas networks readily and easily.

Consumers seeking to get connected to our natural gas networks can call us on 0800 769 372.

THE FUTURE FOR GAS IN NEW ZEALAND

Gas accounts for around 29% of New Zealand's total primary energy usage. Over 40% is used for thermal generation of electricity while another 40% is used in petrochemical production.

Natural gas is a crucial source of energy within the New Zealand economy. Currently, New Zealand homes use less than 3% of all natural gas produced – the key users being electricity generators and petrochemical manufacturers.

The New Zealand gas industry has a firm commitment to ensuring that direct residential supply remains uninterrupted and is initiating increased residential gas usage.

While the Maui gas field has a limited life, other undeveloped fields such as Pohokura offer new supplies. As Maui produces less gas the new fields will start production to address an ongoing supply to domestic consumers.