What does my power bill pay for?
When you get your energy bill, you'll see there are different parts that make up the total cost.
In addition to the energy costs, everyone pays a small Electricity Authority Levy. This helps to fund the Electricity Authority's work to regulate the electricity industry. This is included in the section below titled 'other'.
You can find out more about how the electricity market in New Zealand works at the Electricity Authority.
Wholesale Costs (Generation) – 32%
This is the cost we pay for purchasing electricity.
Transmission and Distribution – 37.5%
The transmission and distribution costs required to build and maintain the power lines that transport electricity from where it is generated to your house. This is a cost that Energy Online pays Transpower and the regional lines companies.
Retail – 13%
This is what retailers like Energy Online charge for providing services.
GST – 13%
This is Goods and Services Tax (15%). GST makes up 13% of the total bill price which includes GST.
Metering and Other– 4.5%
This is the cost of reading and maintaining your electricity meter.