The Lines Company (TLC) has introduced clearer and more predictable pricing for new electricity connections. We have introduced three standard residential connections with set prices. The options are clearly defined, giving customers transparency up front as to costs of connecting to our network. Over 80% of new connections fall into one of the three standard pricing options.

Non-standard pricing option remains, for customers needing more capacity or flexibility.

 Most new homes fall into one of these three categories. These three connection types are limited to 15kVA per phase up to three phases.

The three new standard connection options replace our previous approach where costs could vary depending on individual circumstances. Having these three options that will apply to around 80% of new connections, gives customers greater certainty upfront about what they’ll pay.

Pricing is below and provided during the application process.

All three standard network connection charges must be paid before work starts and before your connection can be livened. This includes: network ready and network extension – overhead and underground.

New rules that come into play over time, don’t automatically increase or decrease prices. The most recent round of price changes are designed to make pricing clearer and more consistent. Depending on the type of connection, costs may be similar, lower or higher than under previous approaches.

You can request an upgrade to your connection.

For example:

• Higher capacity
• Additional redundancy
• Non‑standard design

Any additional cost above the standard connection price is paid by the customer. TLC will explain these costs before work begins. Customers can add a comment in the ‘Additional Information’ field in the form and one of our team will get in touch to discuss.

Every connection is different, so costs can vary from property to property.

The cost of a new connection depends on several factors, including:

• Location – The distance from existing electricity infrastructure and the physical characteristics of the site can affect the work required.
• Existing infrastructure – Some properties are already close to suitable network infrastructure, while others may require additional poles, cables or other network extensions.
• Customer requirements – Larger connections, additional capacity, redundancy or other customer-requested enhancements may increase costs.
• Overhead or underground construction – The type of infrastructure required can significantly influence the cost of the connection.

The connection method is usually influenced by the existing infrastructure in the area. For example, if services in a street are already underground, we will generally continue with underground infrastructure. If overhead infrastructure already exists, an overhead connection may be the most appropriate solution.

We also consider long-term network planning. In some situations, TLC may choose to install underground infrastructure even where an overhead connection could technically be used. This may occur where our asset management plans identify undergrounding as the preferred long-term solution for that area, or where there are broader network considerations such as state highways and key transport routes.

Where TLC chooses undergrounding for network planning purposes, customers will generally pay the standard overhead connection charge and TLC will absorb the additional undergrounding cost. If a customer specifically requests undergrounding where an overhead connection would normally be provided, the additional undergrounding costs would be the customer’s responsibility.

Because every property and project is unique, two neighbouring properties can have different connection costs even when they are located on the same road.

There are several drivers around the decision, including:

• existing infrastructure in the area often determines the approach
• state highways and high-load routes favour undergrounding
• future network planning may influence decisions

Importantly, where TLC chooses undergrounding for other network reasons, customers may still pay the lower overhead rate.

Yes, but if undergrounding is requested as a customer enhancement, the additional cost would generally be borne by the customer.

We use standard connection charges for common connection types to provide simplicity, predictability and easier decision-making for customers. These standard charges are published and applied consistently where eligibility criteria are met.

A flexible connection is an option where customers may be able to lower their upfront connection costs by agreeing to manage their electricity use at peak times.

This option is not suitable for every customer. TLC will assess requests and explain the conditions clearly before you decide.

The connection price is based on the minimum scheme needed to safely supply your connection. If TLC chooses larger equipment for broader network and future-focused reasons, those additional costs are not allocated to you.

Yes. TLC will assess your application and explain:

• Whether your connection is network ready, or simple (overhead or underground) or if it falls into the non-standard connection category.
• If upgrade or flexible options are available.
• What the costs and trade‑offs are.

If you request additional capacity, resilience or other enhancements beyond the standard connection, we’ll explain the options and any additional costs before work begins.

TLC reviewed previous connection projects and identified the most common types of residential connections. The categories were then designed using actual project costs and operational experience to create a simple, transparent structure that works for most customers. The aim is to make connection pricing easier to understand and provide greater certainty about costs before work begins.

Most customers tell us they want to understand likely costs as early as possible. Standard connection categories allow us to provide clear pricing upfront for common connection types, making the process simpler and more predictable. More complex projects will still receive a tailored assessment and quotation.

Yes. From 1 April 2027, new rules around capacity‑based costing will apply. TLC will provide more information well before those changes take effect.

• Visit: www.thelinescompany.co.nz
• Call: 0800 367 546
• Email: [email protected]