Getting connected
When you connect to our network, you're connecting to a power network which is 100% locally owned and operated.
If you're moving to an existing house or building where the power is already connected or was connected until very recently, just call your electricity retailer to have the power connected.
However, if you’re planning a new subdivision, or running power to your own private job, you'll need to get in touch with us to get power to the site and the electricity flowing.
If you are wanting to alter your current connection, to upgrade or downgrade your power supply, you will need to complete a network connection or alteration request (link below).
Network connection or alteration request
Our New Connections and Extensions Policy outlines the commercial terms that apply for new connections and extensions (including alterations) on our network.
New Connections and Extensions Policy
Still in the planning stage?
Complete our Network capacity enquiry form with some basic information so our team can guide you through the next steps to ensure your needs are met effectively.
Alternatively, contact us for a network connection application 0800 66 11 77 or ask us via email: networkapplications@alpineenergy.co.nz
If you are applying for solar, please visit Generating electricity.
A bit about our process
Every project is different, so we'll work with you to understand your specific needs.
Please be aware the size and complexity of the project, and seasonal development demands can also affect our time frames, but we’ll keep you informed.
Your co-operation in providing required information and gathering the necessary consents and approvals from relevant agencies prior to the design being finalised can really assist the application process.
Once we receive your approved agreement, with payment, we’ll be able to programme the work and give you timeframes for delivery and completion.
Connection pricing
We base our connection prices on the lowest-cost technically acceptable solution for connecting you. This is called the 'minimum scheme'. You will not be charged for network upgrades or enhancements that you do not request.
If you want a higher-spec solution (for example, extra capacity, or under grounding of services) you can request this. These are called 'customer selected enhancements' and you will be changed for these.
You can also ask us about flexible options when you connect (for example, agreeing to reduce your load at peak times on the network, in exchange for lower costs).
Our Standard Connection Charges cover most simple connections for household and small business connections (see table below). More complex jobs require detailed design and will be priced on application.
Our Connection Pricing Policy provides further detail on how we price connection jobs.
Standard connection charges
| Cable to pole / Cable to distribution box | ||
|---|---|---|
Connections to existing connectable network up to 45kVA in rated capacity and located less than 0.4m from the customers boundary to the network distribution box or pole where the customer has supplied the service cable to the point of network connection and includes;
| ||
| Connection type | Posted connection charges | |
| Single Phase connection | Three Phase connection | |
| Standard connection including tails for aluminium up to 185mm2 | $550 | $900 |
| Standard connection including tails for aluminium up to 185mm2 and trenching up to 0.5m in footpath on street verge | $700 | $1050 |
| ICP Establishment Fee | $300 | |
| Includes |
| |
| Excludes |
| |
Connection charge reconciliation
Lines companies must prepare a standardised breakdown of connection charges into:
- incremental costs (the direct cost of connecting you and your share of using some of the capacity available on the network)
- network cost contribution (your portion of the cost of using the shared network)
- incremental revenue (expected lines revenue over time - that you pay via your power bill).
This is called a ‘connection charge reconciliation.’
The reconciliation outcome shows how the connection charge compares to long-term costs and revenue using a consistent national format.
What it means for you
You can request a reconciliation showing how your connection charge is allocated.
- The reconciliation is for transparency — it doesn’t change your quote or create a new charge.
- It may group costs differently from your quote, because it follows a standard format set by the Electricity Authority.
The reconciliation you receive is detailed and complex. It summarises costs, revenue and network capacity components using standardised language. This reflects the standardised format and terminology required under new regulation. If you would like help understanding it, check out Electricity Networks Aotearoa's reconciliation explainer or get in touch with us.
Reconciliation for Standard Connections
If your connection uses a standard connection charge (see table above ), we will provide a standard reconciliation instead of a bespoke one.
This is permitted under the Electricity Authority’s rules and reflects the average costs and revenue for that class of connection. It ensures transparency while avoiding unnecessary modelling for routine connections.
Reconciliations for our Standard Connection Charges are available on request - email networkapplications@alpineenergy.co.nz
Pioneer Schemes
We operate a pioneer scheme so that a connection applicant who intends to use a network extension that has been previously paid for by another customer will contribute to the cost of the original works. The customer who initially paid for the extension (the First Pioneer) then receives a rebate. Note this excludes real estate developments.
Operating a pioneer scheme helps to ensure that the costs of extension assets and works are shared across connecting parties in a fair and efficient manner.
We have the role of administering the scheme, including collecting Pioneer Scheme contributions, determining whether any later connections will also take on pioneer status, and providing rebates to the Pioneer (or Pioneers).
Our explains how we determine which extensions qualify as a Pioneer Scheme, the information that we will publish about each scheme, how we determine contributions and rebates, and various other aspects of how we administer the schemes.
Our policy has been developed to meet both the requirements of Part 6B.6 to 6B.9 of the Electricity Participation Code, as well as the policies and practices that guide our connections arrangements.
Active Pioneer Schemes
There are currently no schemes in place
More information about working near power poles and lines can be found in the following pages: