Top Energy is the local lines company, and electricity generator in the Far North
Our network spans 4,000 kilometres of electricity lines from northern Hūkerenui to Cape Reinga. To ensure the safety and reliability of the power supply we carry out planned maintenance, clear trees from lines, and fix faults.
Our Ngāwhā Geothermal Power Station generates 125% of the electricity consumed on the network.
Top Energy is owned by a consumer trust
Top Energy is owned by the Top Energy Consumer Trust, on behalf of 33,000 power consumers connected to the company’s network.
Our published pricing
In February we published our network line pricing changes. These take effect from 01 April 2022.
- Overall prices are coming down by 9%
- The Low User daily rate is increasing to 30c
For more information on electricity line charges look up Publications and Disclosures
How The Ngāwhā Geothermal Power Station benefits pricing
The Far North experienced a 4% drop in wholesale electricity prices immediately following commissioning of the new power station in 2021 – the benefit of local generation available 24/7. It will continue to help us reduce the cost of electricity in the Far North over time as we pay down the debt incurred to construct it.
New pricing Methodology from the Electricity Authority
The EA’s new Transmission Pricing Methodology allocates more costs of the national grid to the Far North even though most of our electricity is generated locally.
If they implement it as planned, electricity prices will go up in 2023.
Are you on the right pricing plan?
There are over 23 electricity retailers in the Far North – so plenty of choice for you to check out to see that you are on the right plan. Visit www.powerswitch.org.nz to compare pricing plans to ensure you are on the best electricity plan for your needs.
Reducing the cost of electricity
In 2020 we decreased network line costs by 15% and increased discount payments by $50, the first increase since 2003. In 2024 we plan to increase the discount again by $50 to $300, and continue to increase it every few years. We have improved our position in reducing the average amount a consumer on the Top Energy network pays over a year for line charges (see our ranking on chart below). We know we still have work to do but we are heading in the right direction.
Published in Far North newspapers week beginning 11 April 2022