Cost of Living
Power companies post billion-dollar profits as Kiwis struggle with rising energy costs
New Zealand power companies have made over a billion dollars in profit while households face soaring prices and energy hardship.
Thread
Electricity cost reform
Who covered this thread
BusinessDesk 4 of 12 NZ Herald 3 of 12 Otago Daily Times 2 of 12 interest.co.nz 1 of 12 Newsroom 1 of 12 Newstalk ZB 1 of 12 RNZ 1 of 12 Stuff 1 of 12 1News 0 of 12 The Spinoff 0 of 12
How many of this thread’s stories each outlet we track filed something on. A zero means no article of theirs reached any story here — an absence, not an accusation.
The story so far
Business
Record winter power demand met but Transpower warns against complacency
New Zealand's electricity system hit record winter demand in early August as batteries and industrial flexibility helped offset declining gas availability.
Business
New Zealand needs $26 billion extra investment in electricity supply, report finds
A report says New Zealand requires $26 billion in additional investment to support its shift towards renewable energy.
Cost of Living
Government tightens regulation of power networks as electricity prices continue rising
The government is pushing for stronger regulation and better efficiency from electricity lines companies amid continued power bill increases.
Cost of Living
Energy Minister says no quick fix for high power bills
Energy Minister Simeon Brown says there is no simple solution to cutting high power bills as he consults industry players.
Cost of Living
New Zealanders increasingly worried about paying energy bills
Only 45% of New Zealand respondents expect to pay energy bills without difficulty over the next year, according to an EY survey.
Cost of Living
Energy hardship crisis demands urgent action
An opinion piece argues that addressing energy hardship should be a top priority.
Business
Newsroom investigates how electricity reforms made power expensive in New Zealand
A new investigation examines how electricity industry reforms, lobbying and government policy shaped New Zealand's costly power system.
Cost of Living
Power bills rise 6.8% despite wholesale electricity prices falling
Household and small business power bills rose 6.8% in the first half of 2026 as wholesale prices fell sharply, prompting political pressure on generators to cut retail prices.
Politics
Power warning played down by Willis
Finance Minister Nicola Willis downplayed warnings about power supply issues.
Politics
Auckland Business Chamber backs energy industry breakup in reform push
Business leaders are urging politicians to break up gentailers and adopt longer-term energy planning.
Cost of Living
Household electricity costs have risen 177% since 1999 market reforms
Consumer NZ says electricity bills have nearly doubled the rate of inflation and calls for a system redesign.