TLC summer discount benefits WESCT beneficiaries
28 November 2025
Customers in the northern part of The Lines Company (TLC) network will receive their share of a $3.9 million electricity discount before Christmas or in January.
The money makes up the first payment from the total $6.9 million (GST inclusive) payment to Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) customers paid out this financial year. The discount payment will appear as a credit on December or January electricity retailer accounts.
How much each customer receives is based on their price plan and TLC’s billing between April 1 – October 31 this year.
Money for the twice-yearly discount is provided from TLC earnings to WESCT beneficiaries as the owners of TLC. Chief executive Mike Fox said he was very pleased the company was able to return a healthy discount to the Trust despite the significant investment necessary to make the network stronger and more resilient.
“We take a lot of pride in the fact TLC is a community-owned company,” Fox said. “Most of our staff live on the network and have very strong connections here. So, to know that earnings are going directly back to WESCT beneficiaries and then onto the community in the form of this discount is important to us.”
“This year, we’re investing $28.5 million in the network to make sure our assets are in good condition and that our communities stay connected and are ready for the future.”
“At TLC however, it’s not just about delivering safe and reliable electricity to our customers,” continued Fox. “We have also heavily invested $2 million over the past four years in providing a range of partnership, sponsorship, training, and scholarship programmes to community organisations and local individuals.
“We’re completely committed to Maru Energy Trust and to investing in new technologies which will benefit the wider community in the long run. We have a lot of things on the go in the community space as well as doing our core work,” Fox said.
WESCT chair William Oliver said the role of the Trust was to promote and encourage an efficient and reliable electricity distribution system throughout the district. WESCT worked closely with TLC to help set priorities, he said.
“TLC has a role in helping us grow economically and in ensuring we have thriving and healthy communities. We are proud that TLC delivers this economic benefit to our beneficiaries. The discount reflects WESCT’s real-benefit to our beneficiaries and our region,” said Oliver. “Over the past four years, $22.6 million dollars has been distributed in discounts to our beneficiaries.
“Our purpose is to ensure the inter-generational ownership of TLC continues to deliver an efficient and reliable electricity distribution system. This discount further enforces the benefit of local Trust ownership of TLC,” said Oliver.
The next TLC discount will be processed in May 2026.