NZ First would split the four big power companies into separate generation and retail businesses, on the argument that owning both keeps prices high and keeps cheaper retailers out. The pricing system in which the most expensive generator sets the price for all electricity would be replaced, holding back supply to lift prices would be stopped, new generation would get long-term fixed-price contracts and first use of its power, and households with solar could sell back at the price they pay. All under a National Energy Strategy.
The four big power companies would be broken into separate generators and retailers. The stated problem is that they control almost 90 percent of generation and then sell it back to themselves, which the document says makes it very difficult for innovative and low-cost retailers to enter, keeping prices high.
Under the current system the most expensive generator sets the price for all electricity, including power that costs very little to produce. NZ First would replace that, and stop companies holding back supply to drive prices higher.
Long-term fixed-price contracts would be guaranteed for new-build generation, along with a guarantee that their power is first to be used. The claimed result is more power stations, more renewable energy, more competition and more resilience.
Households generating their own power would be able to sell it back to the grid at the same price they pay for power — a straight retail-rate buy-back rather than the lower rates typically offered now.
The whole package sits under a promised National Energy Strategy. The document commits to delivering one but does not describe what it would contain or when it would arrive.
“We will be breaking up the power companies so they can no longer control both the power and the price.”
“Energy security is national security.”
“Under the current system, the most expensive generator sets the price for all electricity - even electricity that costs peanuts to generate.”
“If you generate power at home like solar, you should be able to sell it back to the grid at the same price you pay for it.”
Points the document defers or leaves undefined. These are gaps in the document, not criticisms of the policy.
Which party holds a published position on which topic.
Swipe across to see all 11 topics — the party column stays put.
| Party | Economy | Housing | Health | Education | Climate | Environment | Crime & Justice | Treaty & Māori Affairs | Immigration | Foreign Policy | Democracy & Government |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National |
| ∅ |
| Labour | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ |
| Green |
| ACT |
| NZ First |
| Te Pāti Māori |
| TOP |
| Also contesting, without seats in Parliament | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Rights | |||||||||||
| Animal Justice | |||||||||||
| ALCP | |||||||||||
| Conservative | |||||||||||
| Outdoors & Freedom | |||||||||||
| Vision NZ | |||||||||||
| Alliance | |||||||||||
| Free Palestine | |||||||||||
| NZ Loyal | ∅ | ||||||||||
| Te Tai Tokerau | ∅ | ||||||||||