Resetting the greenfields negotiated electricity connection customer service standards

On 27 March 2023, we made a final decision directing distribution businesses to report on new Greenfields Negotiated Electricity Connection Customer Service Standards when working with developers and contractors to connect new housing developments to electricity.

Under clause 24.2.2 of the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice, distribution businesses must report to the commission on their performance against the standards every six months for the regulatory period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2026.

The customer service standards include:

• an overarching customer outcomes statement setting out what a distribution business expects to deliver over the next three years in relation to negotiated connections
• a requirement to form a consultative committee that meets regularly to discuss improvements in negotiated connection processes
• a performance reporting framework that distribution businesses are to report against every six months.

We first directed distributors to develop these standards in 2021 to address delays in connecting new property developments on greenfield sites. In December 2022, we released a consultation paper which sought feedback from stakeholders and industry on the proposed revised standards and performance metrics. We also hosted a roundtable with distribution businesses and industry participants.

Prior to the expiration of the revised standards, we will assess the effectiveness of the revised standards and decide if further standards are required.