Investing for tomorrow, today

We're planning to ask the Commerce Commission (our industry regulator) for a change to our allowed spending limits so that we have the necessary revenue to maintain a safe, reliable and resilient network, now and in the future. This involves applying for a customised price-quality path that better matches the needs of our customers and community.




How our prices are set

The Commerce Commission sets a default price-quality path (DPP) for most electricity distribution businesses in New Zealand. This determines the total allowable revenue that we can charge over a five-year period, as well as the level of service that we must provide. This is a one-size-fits-all approach for setting revenue allowances.
Alternatively, a customised price-quality path (CPP) allows electricity distribution businesses to request different revenue limits when the default approach doesn't meet their specific needs and circumstances. The Commerce Commission will look closely at Orion’s proposal to decide if it's appropriate and in the best interests of our customers.



Why we're looking at this

We all rely heavily on electricity and expect to have it when we need it. It’s essential for our region's growth and prosperity that we can continue providing the safe, reliable and resilient power supply you rely on.

The need for prudent and efficient investment in our network is more critical than ever as we face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Much of our network was built in the 1960s and 1970s, and assets like poles now require renewal. We must also expand capacity to accommodate population growth, strengthen resilience, prepare for new technologies, and drive efficiencies. 

Our analysis shows that if we remain on the DPP, we won't have enough revenue to meet the service levels our customers expect. That's why we're applying for a CPP - to ensure we can provide a safe, reliable and resilient network for generations to come. Although this would mean an increase in your lines charges over the coming years, it will help avoid even higher costs in the future from deferred investment.


Listen to Orion Group Chief Executive, Nigel Barbour, discuss the challenges and opportunities Orion faces. He explains why applying for a CPP is essential to investing more in our network.




What happens next?

We're currently consulting on our 2025 Asset Management Plan Update. We want to know what matters most to you.

Each year on 01 April we publish an asset management plan (AMP). Our 2025 AMP Update outlines our proposed investment approach for our customised price-quality path.

We’re keen to hear your feedback, and your input will help shape our customised path proposal. Our consultation is open until 30 May 2025.

Check out our 2025 AMP Update, and then click below to complete our short questionnaire.

If you'd like to get in touch directly, you can email us or send a letter to:
The Orion Group
565 Wairakei Road
Burnside, Christchurch 8053


Our engagement approach

It's important that we understand your needs as we make decisions about the future of our network. In addition to gathering your feedback through our consultation questionnaire, we have four engagement activity streams to ensure we use different methods and channels to reach our diverse customer, stakeholder and community sectors.

  • Customer Advisory Panel: Community representatives provide feedback on our investment plans
  • Powerful Conversations: Workshops to explore complex issues with customers
  • Connected Conversations: Online forums with business customers and stakeholder organisations
  • Community Conversations: Engaging the community through advertising, newsletters, surveys, social posts and website updates

Find out more about our engagement here.



We're planning to ask the Commerce Commission (our industry regulator) for a change to our allowed spending limits so that we have the necessary revenue to maintain a safe, reliable and resilient network, now and in the future. This involves applying for a customised price-quality path that better matches the needs of our customers and community.




How our prices are set

The Commerce Commission sets a default price-quality path (DPP) for most electricity distribution businesses in New Zealand. This determines the total allowable revenue that we can charge over a five-year period, as well as the level of service that we must provide. This is a one-size-fits-all approach for setting revenue allowances.
Alternatively, a customised price-quality path (CPP) allows electricity distribution businesses to request different revenue limits when the default approach doesn't meet their specific needs and circumstances. The Commerce Commission will look closely at Orion’s proposal to decide if it's appropriate and in the best interests of our customers.



Why we're looking at this

We all rely heavily on electricity and expect to have it when we need it. It’s essential for our region's growth and prosperity that we can continue providing the safe, reliable and resilient power supply you rely on.

The need for prudent and efficient investment in our network is more critical than ever as we face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Much of our network was built in the 1960s and 1970s, and assets like poles now require renewal. We must also expand capacity to accommodate population growth, strengthen resilience, prepare for new technologies, and drive efficiencies. 

Our analysis shows that if we remain on the DPP, we won't have enough revenue to meet the service levels our customers expect. That's why we're applying for a CPP - to ensure we can provide a safe, reliable and resilient network for generations to come. Although this would mean an increase in your lines charges over the coming years, it will help avoid even higher costs in the future from deferred investment.


Listen to Orion Group Chief Executive, Nigel Barbour, discuss the challenges and opportunities Orion faces. He explains why applying for a CPP is essential to investing more in our network.




What happens next?

We're currently consulting on our 2025 Asset Management Plan Update. We want to know what matters most to you.

Each year on 01 April we publish an asset management plan (AMP). Our 2025 AMP Update outlines our proposed investment approach for our customised price-quality path.

We’re keen to hear your feedback, and your input will help shape our customised path proposal. Our consultation is open until 30 May 2025.

Check out our 2025 AMP Update, and then click below to complete our short questionnaire.

If you'd like to get in touch directly, you can email us or send a letter to:
The Orion Group
565 Wairakei Road
Burnside, Christchurch 8053


Our engagement approach

It's important that we understand your needs as we make decisions about the future of our network. In addition to gathering your feedback through our consultation questionnaire, we have four engagement activity streams to ensure we use different methods and channels to reach our diverse customer, stakeholder and community sectors.

  • Customer Advisory Panel: Community representatives provide feedback on our investment plans
  • Powerful Conversations: Workshops to explore complex issues with customers
  • Connected Conversations: Online forums with business customers and stakeholder organisations
  • Community Conversations: Engaging the community through advertising, newsletters, surveys, social posts and website updates

Find out more about our engagement here.



Page last updated: 23 Apr 2025, 11:43 AM