Winter is coming: The spectre of political intervention in the electricity market

Winter is coming: The spectre of political intervention in the electricity market
The chance of political intervention in the electricity market is largely dependent on the weather. (Image: Getty)
Ian Llewellyn
Next year will be crucial for the electricity sector, with a confluence of factors likely to raise the prospects of political intervention if things go wrong.In April next year, households will get an average $15 a month increase in power bills due to increased charges for lines and transmission networks. People will notice this and then be told this is just the start of price rises to cover the cost of upgrades needed over the next five years.At the same time, electricity retailers will decide how much to pass on the increased cost of ene...

More Law & Regulation

Smaller lenders eye prudential requirements in RBNZ review
Finance

Smaller lenders eye prudential requirements in RBNZ review

NBDTA proposed a total capital ratio of 10.5% of risk-weighted assets.

Andy Macdonald 10 Oct 2025
Manuka Doctor trademark appeal dismissed
Law & Regulation

Manuka Doctor trademark appeal dismissed

One judge dissented, saying he would have allowed the appeal.

John Anthony 10 Oct 2025
Smiths City owes creditors $26.8m
Retail

Smiths City owes creditors $26.8m

The outlook for unsecured creditors of the former retail icon Smiths City appears bleak, as liabilities have mounted to more than $26.8 million.Liquidators for the century-old retailer stated in their initial report that 240 creditors were owed money by the company, as reported b...

Staff reporters 09 Oct 2025
Cost-benefit issues in spotlight amid RBNZ review
Finance

Cost-benefit issues in spotlight amid RBNZ review

The Reserve Bank of NZ had received 42 submissions to the review.

Andy Macdonald 09 Oct 2025