Network investment and community impact front and centre in TLC’s 2026 Statement of Corporate Intent
30 April 2026
The Lines Company (TLC) has today released its 2026 Statement of Corporate Intent (SCI), outlining a clear focus on investing in a safe, resilient electricity network while continuing to deliver meaningful benefits for the communities it serves.
The SCI sets out TLC’s priorities for the 2026–27 financial year, guided by its purpose of growing communities with energy and its four strategic goals that prioritise people, partnerships, making a difference and building a strong network. The document is now available on the TLC website.
“Being 100% owned by the Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) on behalf of its beneficiaries means the assets are built for the benefit of today’s beneficiaries but also generations to come. Every decision we make is about delivering long‑term value for our customers and our region,” said TLC Chief Executive Mike Fox. “This SCI is more than a set of targets — it’s our commitment to building a network and an organisation that supports thriving, resilient communities today and for generations to come.”
A central focus of the 2026 SCI is continued investment in TLC’s electricity network, much of which was built before the 1970s and requires ongoing renewal to ensure safety, reliability and affordability.
“We’re investing carefully and deliberately to strengthen resilience, respond to climate impacts and support future growth, while balancing costs for customers and ensuring fairness across generations,” said Fox
Through its asset management and capital programme, TLC is focused on improving network performance, completing its resilience planning, optimising substations and introducing new technology — including an advanced distribution management system — to restore power more quickly and improve safety across the network.
Alongside infrastructure investment, TLC remains strongly committed to ensuring the benefits of community ownership are returned to the people it serves. In 2026–27, that commitment will translate into $6.2 million (before GST) in electricity discounts for WESCT beneficiaries — a direct return of value that stays local, recognising the community’s shared ownership of the network.
“We know rising energy costs are putting pressure on families,” said Fox. “Delivering meaningful discounts is one way we help ease that pressure, while also continuing to invest in the network that keeps people connected.”
Community support remains a key pillar of the SCI, with TLC continuing to invest in energy hardship initiatives, community funding, sponsorships and its long‑standing support of Maru Energy Trust, which helps eligible homeowners access insulation and heat pumps for warmer, drier homes.
“Making a difference means turning empathy into action,” Fox said. “Supported by our shareholder WESCT, we work alongside iwi, councils and community partners to reduce energy hardship, unlock external funding and deliver solutions that genuinely improve people’s lives.”
The SCI also reinforces TLC’s role as a regional economic enabler, with a strong emphasis on collaboration — both locally and across the electricity sector — to reduce duplication, share capability and deliver better outcomes for customers.
“Our community ownership is our greatest strength,” said Fox. “It means the benefits of our investments, partnerships and innovation stay local. By working together — with our shareholder, our partners and our communities — we can deliver more impact, more efficiently, for the people we serve.”