The Commerce Commission (“Commission”) gives notice that it has amended the default price-quality path applicable to regulated suppliers of electricity distribution businesses (EDBs) for the regulatory period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2025 under Part 4 of the Commerce Act 1986 (“Act”).

The amended default price-quality path is:

• Electricity Distribution Services Default Price-Quality Path Determination 2020 [2019] NZCC 21 (“EDB DPP Determination”).

The amendments are set out in:

• Electricity Distribution Services Default Price-Quality Path (Definition of Discount) Amendments Determination 2020 [2020] NZCC 3.

On 30 March 2020, we made amendments to the input methodologies (IMs) applicable to EDBs under Part 4 of the Act. These IM amendments were in respect of the specification and definition of prices, where we amended the definition of “discount”. The previous IMs meant that EDBs could not include any discounts not offered before the determination of “forecast net allowable revenue” in their calculations of “forecast revenue from prices” when demonstrating compliance with the price path. We amended the IMs to resolve this error. We have made a consequential amendment to the definition of “IM determination” in the EDB DPP Determination which allows these IM amendments to apply for the default price-quality path for the regulatory period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2025.

Further Information

A copy of the determination and the companion paper is available on the Commission’s website, https://comcom.govt.nz/regulated-industries/input-methodologies/projects/amendments-necessary-to-implement-the-2020-electricity-distribution-default-price-quality-path, and for inspection free of charge, or for purchase at a reasonable price, at the Commission’s Office at 44 The Terrace, Wellington (during ordinary office hours).

Date of Notice: 30 March 2020.

COMMERCE COMMISSION.