The Commerce Commission's final decision on the Draft Price-quality Path (DPP4) means that Orion, along with other regulated lines companies, will be increasing prices starting from 1 April 2025.
This decision, which was announced on 20 November last year, comes as part of a broader effort to ensure continued investment in the network to maintain safety, reliability, and resilience for the community.
"We understand that cost increases are never welcome, especially coming off the back of inflationary pressures. However, investment in our network is critical to ensure we can maintain the level of reliability and service our customers expect,” says The Orion Group Chief Executive Nigel Barbour.
“If we put off investment now, it will mean even higher prices down the track and could lead to less reliable electricity and a network that’s not able to keep up with demand growth."
On average, households on the Orion network will see electricity bills increase by about $14 per month ($168 annually) to pay for higher distribution and transmission costs for the first year of the period.
“We all rely on electricity every day and we’re committed to ensuring we can power our community as it continues to prosper and grow,” say Nigel.
Orion is also considering a Customised Price-quality Path (CPP) application to increase the regulated revenue allowed by the Commerce Commission. If approved, the CPP will allow Orion to make targeted investments to maintain network reliability and support future demand growth.
For customers, this means that while there may be a further initial increase in prices, the long-term benefits include reliable and resilient electricity supply and a network that can better handle future demand. To find out more visit our have your say site