Arranging a new Electricity Connection on Powerco's network

Common Electricity Industry Terms

We call the process of getting a new connection 'Customer Initiated Work' (CIW), and it covers all types of connections from simple domestic houses, to large industrial buildings, as well as new subdivisions, permanent disconnections for demolition work, and relocation of existing lines. Click here for the process involved in most new connections. 

Step 1 Contact Your Proposed Electricity Retailer

Before any new site is livened you must have a contract for electricity supply with an energy retailer. The retailer will want to know the address details for the property you want to connect. If it is in a new subdivision you might not know the street number yet, so you will need to use the Lot number and DP number from your property title.

Energy retailers operating over the Powerco network will also have lists of Powerco approved contractors who can help you out with step 2.

The electricity retailers trading on Powerco's networks are:

• Genesis Energy (includes Energy Online)
• Contact Energy
• Trust Power 
• Nova Energy
• Mercury (includes Globug and Tiny Mighty Power)
• Meridian Energy
• Powershop
• Pulse Energy (includes Just Energy and Grey Power)
• Bosco Connect
• Simply Energy
• King Country Energy
• Opunake Hydro
• Ecotricity
• Electric Kiwi
• Flick Electric
• Energy Online
• Prime Energy
• Ecosmart
• Switch Utilities
• Plus Energy
• Pioneer

Step 2 Engage a Powerco Approved Contractor

Only specifically approved contractors are allowed to connect new lines or cables to Powerco poles or pillars. They will need to know the address details for the property (just like the retailer) and also the size of the electrical load you are going to connect. If you need help to work out the size of the load your electrician should be able to help. Some electricians will even arrange everything with the Powerco approved contractor on your behalf.

The contractor will determine what is required to provide the supply you need and give you a quote for the cost. They will also obtain approval from Powerco for their proposed design concept, and notify you if we have any special requirements, such as easements, etc.

You may ask for quotes from more than one Powerco approved contractor, so that you can be confident you are getting a fair price and good customer service.

Click here for a list of Powerco approved contractors

Step 3 Your Powerco Approved Contractor Completes the Work Required

Once you have told your Powerco approved contractor to start, they will let us know and we will create a new ICP for the connection and send it to your nominated retailer. The contractor will make any upgrades required on the network and connect your new service line or cable at the pole or pillar. When they have completed all the necessary work they will let us know and we will authorise your retailer to liven the property.

Step 4 Your Retailer Installs the Meter and Livens the Connection

Electricity retailers have contractors who are approved by Powerco to liven new connections once certain conditions have been met. For example, the connection to the network must have been done by a Powerco approved contractor, an ICP must be ready for the address, meters must be installed, and a Certificate of Compliance must be issued and signed by your electrician to certify that the site is electrically safe.

Powerco Connection Requirements

Click here for Powerco's Electricity Network Connection Standard. 

Common Electricity Industry Terms

Cables - Insulated underground conductor used to transport electricity. Generally consists of an aluminium or copper core with multiple layers of protective insulated covers.

Certificate of Compliance - A certificate issued in accordance with Regulation 39 of the Electricity Regulations 1997, certifying the compliance of an installation, with those regulations.

Consumer - A person or group of people who use electricity.

Energy Retailer - A company set up to sell electricity or gas to consumers connected to line company networks.

ICP - Installation Control Point. The point where the supply of electricity to a consumer's property can be isolated from the network, usually by removing a fuselink at a pillar or pole. Every ICP is identified by a unique number, which will appear on electricity bills from the energy retailer.

Lines - Overhead power lines, generally made of aluminium or copper, which transport electricity. They are sometimes also referred to as conductors.

Network - Means the assets, lines, and cables, that are owned by Powerco and that form part of the electricity or gas system required to convey electricity or gas to the point of supply for consumers.

Network Company (Distribution Company, Lines Company) - A company that owns the network of lines and cables that transport electricity from the national grid and distribute it to consumers.

Pillars (pods, boxes, plinths and gyros) - Boxes are normally green or black plastic. Pillars are usually located on the property boundary or on the roadside. They form a connection point joining the consumer's private underground service cable to the Powerco underground network.