About our industries

Electricity

Generation 

New Zealand has several major electricity generation companies, including Trustpower. Most of New Zealand’s electricity is generated by hydro, with a growing number of wind farms, plus some gas, geothermal and diesel generation. 

Transmission 

Electricity is carried on the ‘transmission grid’. This is made up of over 12,000 kilometres of high voltage lines and is run by Transpower. 

Distribution 

From the grid, electricity is carried on local line networks, run by local distribution companies; and also accessed directly by high volume customers. The lines charge on your bill pays the local distribution company. 

Retailers 

Electricity retailers buy the power from the generators and sell it to consumers. As a retailer, Trustpower has over 200,000 customers nationwide. 

Customers 

Each home or business premises has a meter to measure how much electricity is used. The advantage of a competitive market is that consumers can switch between retailers to get the best service and price. Trustpower has a comparatively stable customer base, reflecting a high level of customer satisfaction.

Gas

Production 

New Zealand has large gas reserves and around 15 producing gas fields. There’s ongoing development of gas fields and exploration for new fields. 

Transmission/distribution 

Reticulated (plumbed) gas is carried around the North Island by pipeline and is currently not available in the South Island. It’s a reliable system, run by network service providers and one private pipeline owner. Bottled gas (LPG) is stored in depots around the country and distributed from your local depot by truck, to your door. 

Retailers 

New Zealand has multiple gas retailers, which like electricity, ensures consumers have choice. At Trustpower, we supply both reticulated and bottled gas and back that up with our commitment to quality service. 

Customers 

Each home or business premise has a meter to measure how much reticulated gas is used. Gas bottles (canisters) are delivered and the empty bottles collected.

Telecommunications

Network 

New Zealand’s phone line network has historically been copper wire. In 2011, the Government committed $1.35 billion to build an Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) network throughout New Zealand and this is currently being rolled out. The lines network, including the Ultra Fast Broadband network is run by Chorus. 

Retailers 

A wide range of providers offer different portfolios of phone and internet services. Because it’s a competitive market, by law all retailers must have equal access to the network, even though Chorus is owned by Spark. Trustpower Phone & Internet has provided phone and internet services since 2007 and Ultra Fast Broadband since 2012. 

Customers 

As more homes and businesses turn to ultrafast broadband, the big trend is for increased data packages. That’s why at Trustpower we offer flexible solutions to suit specific needs.

Regulation

The electricity, gas and telecommunications industries all have comprehensive self-regulation, with industry rules and common quality standards. In addition, all operators must comply with New Zealand legislation such as the Commerce Act 1986, Fair Trading Act 1986, Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, and Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).