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Pricing FAQs

What’s happening?

Alpine Energy updates its delivery prices (also known as lines charges) once a year. Our new prices will take effect from 1 April 2026.

Who is Alpine Energy?

We distribute electricity across South Canterbury, ensuring homes and businesses receive a safe, reliable, and resilient power supply. Our network includes power lines, poles, and other infrastructure, which we maintain and upgrade to meet current and future energy needs. We are one of 29 electricity distribution businesses (EDB) in NZ.

What are lines charges?

Lines charges cover the cost of building, maintaining, and operating both the local electricity network and the national high-voltage grid.

Alpine’s charges make up 24.5% of the average power bill, while Transpower’s transmission charges account for 8%, bringing the total network-related portion (lines charges) to 32.5% of your bill. The rest includes electricity generation, retailer & other costs, metering fees, and GST.

What am I paying for?

Your lines charges cover the costs for Alpine to invest in, operate, and maintain the network. This includes:

  • Maintaining & upgrading the network — maintaining and replacing poles, lines, and equipment to maintain reliability.
  • Fixing faults fast — crews responding quickly to restore power after storms, accidents, or equipment failures.
  • Clearing vegetation — trimming and removing trees near lines to reduce outages and protect community safety.
  • Strengthening the network — making the network more resilient to severe weather and unexpected disruptions, while supporting future growth.
  • Smart technology — maintaining and upgrading our digital systems, such as control room technology, network mapping, and cyber security.
  • Transmission and other charges -for moving electricity across New Zealand via Transpower’s national grid, along with other costs like rates and industry levies.

How much is the increase?

From April 1, 2026, lines charges are rising by 5%, or around $5 per month for the average home. Keep in mind, lines charges make up roughly one third of your total power bill, so this increase only affects that portion, not your entire bill.

In addition to residential, average increases are 4.6% for commercial (030, 045), 5.8% for agricultural and large commercial (ASS), and 4.2% for Time of Use (TOU) customers.

Your total bill may differ depending on how your retailer structures pricing and how much electricity you use.

Will prices keep increasing?

Alpine Energy operates under a five-year regulatory framework set by the Commerce Commission.

This limits how much we can earn and restricts large or unexpected increases.

This year’s increase for the average home is around 5% or $5 per month- with similar increases expected over the next three years. Last year this average increase was $16 per month.

How do I know I am getting a fair deal?

Because we don’t have competition, the Commerce Commission sets regulations and limits on what we can charge and ensures lines charges are fair and that we meet strict quality standards — including limits on how often outages occur and how long they last.

The total amount is set each year for five-year periods- these prices apply for year two of the 2026-2030 period.

The Electricity Authority also oversees electricity market regulations.

What steps are Alpine Energy taking to keep costs down?

We are continually working to optimise our operations and improve efficiency to minimise costs for customers. This includes investing in technology, enhancing infrastructure, and planning for a sustainable future. We’re committed to balancing cost efficiency with the need to maintain a reliable and resilient network.

How do I know if my retailer is passing on the price increase correctly?

Electricity retailers’ package and structure pricing in different ways. If you have concerns about how your power bill has changed, we recommend contacting your retailer directly to understand how they have adjusted their pricing.

Why can’t the businesses that are driving up demand pay for the cost of the upgrades they need? Why do I have to pay for them?

Alpine Energy follows regulations from the Commerce Commission and the Electricity Authority. This includes setting fair and efficient prices based on the Authority’s 2019 distribution pricing principles. These principles ensure prices are subsidy-free, reflect network use and service differences, and promote efficient network alternatives. Following the principles means businesses in South Canterbury will be paying a fair share of the cost of future network investment. But homeowners will also be contributing to ensure our growing network continues to be reliable, resilient and fit-for-purpose as both homes and businesses use more electricity for their energy needs.

Is the price increase related to the past pricing error?

No. This year’s price adjustment is unrelated to the accounting error identified in 2023. That matter was corrected and is not connected to current pricing.

Why does my bill look different from someone else’s?

Bills vary depending based on:

  • Your contract with your retailer
  • Your pricing category (standard, low user, time-of-use, controlled load, location)
  • How much electricity you use and the time of day you use it
  • Solar injection credits

We set the lines charges, but your retailer applies them to your bill. Your total may vary based on your electricity use and how your retailer packages our charges.

How do I know what price category I’m on?

You can:

  • Contact Alpine Energy and ask for your price category
  • Ask your retailer (specify “price category”)
  • Search your address using the Electricity Authority’s “Your meter” tool

Helpful tips & support

If you have questions about your lines charges or how these changes affect your bill, we’re here to support you:

  • Lines charge questions: mailbox@alpineenergy.co.nz (put “Pricing” in the subject line)
  • Understanding your bill or payment plans: contact your electricity retailer (who you pay your power bill to)

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