The technology sector, like all consumers, is affected by our electricity system – particularly in the areas of security of supply and affordability. However, the energy transition also presents a significant opportunity for innovators. In its recent discussion paper, Our future is digital, the Electricity Authority (EA) sets out its initial thoughts for developing a roadmap and actions to support New Zealand’s transition to a smarter, more connected and data-driven system. It seeks feedback from the energy industry, technology sector and innovators to challenge the status quo and imagine how data and technology could shape our future electricity system and the ways New Zealanders participate in it.

A smart future

The EA envisages a future where New Zealanders will use interconnected, smart technologies to manage their electricity, whether for consumption or generation. In turn, our electricity system will deliver greater social and economic benefits to consumers. For example, technology will enable people to manage their electric appliances, electric vehicle charging, heating and other devices in their homes or businesses. Future consumers will also actively participate in the electricity system by easily managing the electricity they supply from rooftop solar panels, EVs and batteries back to the network. The EA expects that, with simplified digital solutions, consumers will increasingly agree to constraints and settings (for example, turning heating on based on forecast temperature data, or switching electricity providers if estimated savings exceed a pre-set threshold).

The EA’s goal - that consumers are empowered to decide how they use electricity and interact with the electricity market - requires an electricity system that is data-rich, open, interconnected and efficient. To achieve this vision, the EA has settled on three digitalisation principles:

1. Data visibility: Improves decision-making and avoids unfair advantages.
2. Interoperable systems: Enables sharing of data and information across systems.
3. Simple solutions: Gives consumers more choice in how and when they use electricity and more say in how the electricity sector evolves.

The EA’s discussion paper focuses on each principle and how it hopes to improve them.

A roadmap for digitalisation

The EA wants to gather information on what industry and innovators are currently doing to help digitalise the electricity system. It also wants to understand the challenges or opportunities. For example, how far should digitalisation go? What considerations need to be given to data privacy or cybersecurity? Responses will inform the EA’s roadmap and actions, helping the EA to ensure that industry rules and regulations support the transition to smarter, more connected and data driven system.

What else is happening?

There are other measures underway to create and support a more consumer-centric electricity system which are relevant to the technology sector. Specific projects to deliver digitalisation are listed at para 5.3 of the consultation. Examples include:

• The EA and Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment are exploring the options, benefits and costs of designating the electricity sector under the Customer and Product Data Act 2025. This would create a “consumer data right” for the electricity sector, enabling consumers to make more informed decisions about their electricity use.
• The EA is also consulting on evolving multiple retailing and switching. This proposes allowing customers to choose two different retailers (a retailer for consumption (load) and one for their generation) and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the consumer, distributor and metering equipment provider processes when a consumer switches power. Submission close on 29 July.

The EA is also now considering submissions on the opportunities and challenges of a more decentralised electricity system. Decentralisation means shifting from large scale electricity generation at a small number of sites around the country, to smaller scale renewables and other distributed energy resources (such as rooftop solar) located closer to consumers. Digitalisation will play a critical role in enabling decentralisation. 

Next steps

“Our future is digital” is open for feedback until 10 July. The EA plans to undertake further targeted workshops during August and September and then publish a “system map” later in 2025. The EA says it will empower and support industry to take the lead where sensible. Digitalisation will be an ongoing programme with progress and further opportunities to be considered in 2026. 

If you would like to discuss the challenges or opportunities for your organisation in the digitalisation of the energy system, or would like help submitting on the consultation, please get in touch with one of our technology experts.