Network investment and community support takes priority
1 July 2025
The Lines Company (TLC) has outlined its work for the coming year, prioritising investment in its network electricity infrastructure and signalling continued community support.
Commitments from the community-owned company are summarised in its 2025 Statement of Corporate Intent (SCI). The document is available now, on the TLC website.
“This local ownership is key to delivering what our customers need now and in the future. We are keenly aware of the role we have in enabling our communities to thrive and businesses to operate effectively,” said TLC chief executive Mike Fox.
TLC has committed $28.5 million into the local electricity network in this financial year.
“At its core, our network must be safe and reliable, delivering great value to our customers,” continued Fox. “We know that the decisions we make today will impact our customers now and into the future. We are committed to ensuring our network is well maintained for future generations, is resilient to the effects of climate change and can accommodate future growth.”
TLC has also supported a strong call from its shareholder, Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) and its commitment to achieving the right balance between investment and maintenance in the infrastructure for a reliable network, meaningful discounts and strong support of communities through sponsorships, scholarships, funding Maru Energy Trust, energy hardship initiatives and community grant funding.
“We know that as electricity costs rise, it’s going to be harder for some people. Our intent is to partner with others to support those who most need help,” Fox said. “We remain committed to providing free energy education seminars, aimed at helping households use electricity more effectively. Our support of Maru enables the installation of insulation and heat pumps for eligible homeowners, providing warmer drier homes and reducing electricity bills.
“We are proud of our commitment to building genuine partnerships,” said Fox. “Over the past year we have partnered with iwi and councils on several initiatives, all geared towards reducing energy hardship, reducing cost of electricity and collaboration so that collectively we deliver better bang for buck.”
In February, TLC also confirmed WESCT beneficiaries would see an increase in the annual electricity discount before GST from $5.2 million to $6.0 million.
“This SCI hits the mark in terms of balancing investment in our assets to ensure we keep customers connected, beneficiary discounts and community support across the entire TLC network area,” said Fox.
The Statement of Corporate Intent (SCI) is available here.