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Welcome to PowerNet! We own and maintain the network of lines and cables that powers homes and businesses across our communities. Our commitment is to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable power to communities, ensuring your lights stay on and your community thrives.
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Time of Use

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ICP?

Search for your ICP (Installation Control Point) Data using either your ICP number or your Meter Serial number.

ICP numbers are made up of 15 characters eg. 0000680207NV1F0, and can be found on any Electricity Retailer account. If you don’t know your ICP number, you can easily search using your Meter’s Serial number, eg. 50313541.

An ICP is an Installation Control Point. Each ICP has a unique number that identifies it as an individual power connection. PowerNet allocates your ICP number. If you stay in the same premises but change your electricity retailer the retailer’s account number will probably change but your ICP will always stay the same. By using this unique number your supply will not be confused with any other. If you change to another retailer you may be asked for this number.

Installation control point data includes:

  • Location description
  • Supply capacity
  • Network charges
  • Metering details.

Why Smart Meters?

PowerNet has been supporting the Network Transformation Roadmap (NTR) that the Electricity Network Association (ENA) has produced. This roadmap helps lines companies such as PowerNet prepare for the future in the electricity distribution industry.

Benefits of meters

The upgrading of our electricity meters have been rolled out across both the Electricity Invercargill Ltd and The Power Company Ltd network over the past few years. The new meters are just like normal electrical meters, the only difference is that they are now digital and more accurate. They also provide retailers the ability to remotely read energy consumption and charge their customers based on actual energy used.

The new electricity meter records the amount of electricity that is actually used in half-hour intervals, then the data is sent back to the retailer via the radio network.

The benefits of the new electricity meters are:

  • Energy usage forecast – Some retailers offer a forecast of the likely energy consumption, which means you will likely know how much your bills would be every month.
  • Energy usage visibility – Some retailers offer tools to allow customers to track their daily power consumption as it is used.

 

Find out more about smart meters

How do I arrange a new electricity supply?

An Online Installation Connection Application must be completed for all new connections, alterations and temporary connections. For large connections i.e. greater than 100 kVA, a capacity guarantee may be required (this is generally only for non-residential applications).

We appreciate as much prior notice as possible to help us meet your timing requirements.

Policies relating to Installation Connections are contained in the PowerNet Installation Connection Standard. You can download the Installation Connection Standard (PDF).

PowerNet’s Connection application process

  • PowerNet will ensure the network line which will supply electricity to the new connection can accommodate the additional load and that the additional load will not adversely affect other customers.
  • Sometimes we find that additional work can be required to upgrade the existing network to accommodate the new connection. This increases costs and takes some time to complete. To avoid possible time delays and surprises about cost please talk to us at the very early stages of your planning.
  • We calculate any charges to you and advise you by letter, then await your agreement. PowerNet contributes some costs towards the connection. Contact PowerNet staff for more information about the PowerNet contribution.
  • We issue you with a unique installation connection point number (ICP number) and advise your chosen electricity retailer. Click on this link for more information about ICP numbers.

Final steps completed by PowerNet

  • PowerNet will complete the required work following confirmation by your electricity retailer.
  • The power connection is livened when the metering is installed, all PowerNet’s network requirements have been complied with, and when the service main and the electrical compliance certificate has been completed.

If you want to connect a distributed generator to our network, please refer to the link on distributed generation.

If you are demolishing or relocating a building please refer to the link on disconnections and reconnections.

How do I alter an existing supply?

If you require an alteration to your power supply or capacity please complete an Installation Connection Application form outlining the alterations.

Alterations to supply cover any of the following:

  • Reconfiguring your power connection – such as new mains
  • Installation of an appliance or equipment that may affect quality of supply – for example, motors or power factor correction.
  • Requesting a change to the contract supply capacity.

We appreciate as much prior notice as possible to help us meet your timing requirements.

Find out more information about PowerNet’s Specific requirements for lodging an application (PDF).

If you have any queries, please contact the PowerNet Connections Team on telephone 03 211 1899 or by email to enquiries@powernet.co.nz to discuss your requirements.

What is a capacity guarantee?

For customers taking higher levels of power supply, ie: greater than 100kVA, we require a Capacity Guarantee to provide us surety over our network investment to provide the power connection.

After we have determined your specific requirements we will prepare an agreement outlining the legal requirements.

To find out more about capacity guarantee terms and conditions phone PowerNet on 03 211 1899 or email linecharges@powernet.co.nz

Can I use an independent contractor?

It is possible for a consumer to use an independent contractor to design and build part of their new connection. If you are developing a new subdivision or if your new supply is large or remote from the existing network and will require our high voltage network extending across private land you can use an Independent Contractor to carry out some of the work. Further information is available in our Independent Contractor and Developer Reticulation in Subdivisions documents. Please note that there are some statutory tasks that only PowerNet can perform.

You are welcome to contact our Connection Team to talk about the application, phone 03 211 1899 or email us on enquiries@powernet.co.nz.

Do I need to talk to my retailer?

Please be aware, your application to PowerNet is for setting up the power connection to the property, and we pass information on to your nominated electricity retailer. However, in order to have power switched on you must make your own power account arrangements directly with the retailer.

What is a temporary supply?

PowerNet offer two options for what may be considered Temporary Supplies. It is important to understand the difference between these two options BEFORE commencing and submitting any application for a new connection.

The first option is where the ICP raised is considered a true “Builders Temporary Supply” and generally raised under the builder’s details. This connection will remain until the end of their build and then the ICP will be totally removed from the network and decommissioned. With this option, the builder will be charged the full costs of labour for installing and removing the network equipment plus the costs of any unrecoverable materials. Recoverable materials will have a part charge for their usage, calculated on a case by case basis.

If the new build requires a permanent power connection after the temporary supply has been removed, then an additional application will be required from the customer and a new ICP will be raised. The permanent connection will have a Network Contribution paid towards the establishment of the new connection.

The second option for a “Temporary Supply” is where the ICP is generally raised in the customer’s name and will remain at the end of the new build. The ICP will require some form of alteration at the end of the build which may include one or more of the following:

  • Relocation of metering from a temporary metering site to permanent site,
  • Alteration to the customer mains cable from a temporary cable to a permanent cable and / or
  • A capacity change from the supply used during the build to the final supply capacity required by the customer.

Many electricians install the permanent mains from the beginning and thus the work required to change it to the permanent meter board is minimal.

This connection option will have a Network Contribution paid towards the establishment of the new connection. If there is subsequent work to alter it to become the permanent connection it will be at the property owner’s cost.

Tell me about easements

Easements are required to protect the rights of line companies where their electricity network equipment is installed on, over, or under land owned by another party.

An easement ensures those rights are maintained, regardless of the ownership of the land, as the easement is registered on the land title.

Requirements for an easement are usually identified and initiated by PowerNet on behalf of the network owner.
However, in the case of new connections or subdivisions the requirements are identified by the property owner or developer in conjunction with PowerNet.

On completion of an online Installation Connection Application form PowerNet will guide you through the easement process.

If you have any specific questions regarding an easement please contact us on 03 211 1899 or email easements@powernet.co.nz

What are network and customer contributions?

Each of PowerNet’s network owners establish a contribution (known as a “Network Contribution”), they are prepared to pay towards new connections on their network. These amounts vary according to the size of new supply, and represent the economic return from normal line charges for each supply capacity. The customer’s contribution is the one-off extra line charge that covers the shortfall between the Network Contribution and the actual cost of the new connection or extra capacity.

Customers wishing to connect to the electricity network for the first time or those requiring an increase in supply capacity may be required to pay a contribution to offset part of our costs for providing the connection. The amount to be paid (known as a “Customer Contribution”) is not a fixed sum; it is determined case by case by considering the estimated costs for the work required and the supply capacity to be taken.

Charging the Customer Contribution ensures existing customers are not subsidising the costs for new connections or network developments that they are not part of. If a customer is going to be asked for a Customer Contribution they will be formally quoted that figure, which must be accepted in writing before any work commences. They are likely to also be asked to pay a deposit along with their acceptance of the quote.

Subdivisions are treated in the same fashion, with the Network Contributions set to reflect the potential return from all the new connection points created for all the individual properties that result from the subdivision.

To view PowerNet’s Network Design and Installation Connection Standards please click here.

Why do I need to fill out an online application form?

Prior to connecting any property to our electricity network we must be satisfied that the connection can be made safely without adversely affecting the delivery of electricity to other customers connected to the network. PowerNet must ensure that sufficient capacity exists to accommodate the increased load of the new connection and that the electrical configuration is suitable.

Click on this link to transfer to the Contractors Portal log in page, where you can access the online application form for:

  • A new individual connection
  • A new subdivision connection
  • Altering an existing connection

We appreciate as much prior notice as possible to help us meet your timing requirements.

You are welcome to contact our connection team to talk about the application, phone 03 211 1899 or email us on enquiries@powernet.co.nz

Tell me about disconnections

Moving House

If you need your power disconnected or reconnected when moving out of or into a property please contact your electricity retailer.

Temporary Disconnection

Repairs to roofing, spouting, painting, water-blasting, tree trimming and scaffolding can be dangerous if carried out close to overhead service lines. Similarly, caution must be exercised when digging or excavating where underground cables could be located.

PowerNet offers a free service to disconnect power for these activities.

Please call PowerNet 03 211 1899 or email enquiries@powernet.co.nz to arrange for a temporary power disconnection at least three business days prior to work commencing in the vicinity of overhead service lines or around cables.

Property owners are responsible for electrical lines, known as service lines and equipment on their property. Click on this link for more information about service lines.

If you are not sure whether you need to disconnect your power, call PowerNet on 03 2111899 or alternatively email enquiries@powernet.co.nz

Permanant Disconnection

If your property is to be removed or demolished and power supply is to be permanently disconnected, you will need to contact both PowerNet and your electricity retailer.

PowerNet requires authorisation from the property owner, before carrying out any permanent disconnection. PowerNet will require you to fill in this authorisation form before any disconnection work is carried out.

Please allow at least 10 business days’ notice for PowerNet to organise disconnection. Please also note any work requiring a high voltage outage may result in a delay of up to 25 business days to allow for customer notification and scheduling.

For further information on permanent disconnections, call PowerNet on 03 211 1899 or alternatively email enquiries@powernet.co.nz.

What is Time of Use pricing?

Time-of-use (ToU) pricing for residential and general connections connected to the PowerNet managed networks passed through to retailers and their customers. 

The way electricity is being consumed in New Zealand is changing. Increased uptake of smart appliances, electric vehicles, solar panels and decarbonisation is all affecting the way we use electricity. PowerNet is committed to ensuring customers have the best opportunity to take advantage of these changes with a method that it is fair to all customers.

We want our customers to have a choice about how and when they use electricity and the price they pay for it.

PowerNet invoices retailers (who send you your electricity accounts) for the use of our electricity network. We own and manage the assets that get power to your door – the poles, wires, transformers and substations. Our line charges are around a quarter of your overall electricity account. We also pass on Transpower’s charges, which are for using the national transmission network (often called the national grid). Transmission charges can vary between regions but are around 10% of your overall electricity account. Retailers then invoice customers for all electricity costs and choose how to repackage the distribution and transmission charges into their pricing.

PowerNet’s ToU pricing means that line charges will be lower at shoulder and night times. This is to better reflect the costs of electricity distribution and transmission. Peak times are 7am-11am and 5pm-9pm (Monday- Sunday), when high electricity use puts the most pressure on the local and national networks. Outside of these times is shoulder and night times, and the line charges are lower, ToU pricing offers you the ability to reduce your energy costs by moving some electricity use to non-peak times. It also means more options when using new technology such as solar generation, electric vehicles and battery storage. To take advantage of ToU pricing you’ll need a compatible smart meter, and your energy retailer to have a suitable pricing plan; line charges are only one part of the price you pay for electricity. Please contact your retailer to understand what options they may be offering.