Commerce Commission chair declares electricity sector a ‘market failure’ amid budget scrutiny

Commerce Commission grocery commissioner Pierre van Heerden, chair John Small and chief executive Adrienne Meikle presenting their annual review. (Image: Supplied)

Michael Neilson

Fri, 05 Dec 2025

The chair of the Commerce Commission has delivered a stark assessment of the nation’s electricity sector, declaring that it suffers from a "market failure" and requires fundamental intervention. Yet, speaking before a Parliamentary committee on Thursday, chair John Small struggled to articulate immediate, specific solutions beyond emphasising a "systemic” and “multifaceted approach".The hearing, intended to review ComCom’s annual performance, quickly evolved into a tightrope walk for the public s...

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