The report, Review of distributor connection technical standards; findings and recommendations for Aotearoa New Zealand, was released today at the EEA 2025 pre-conference workshops. The findings reveal significant inconsistencies across New Zealand's 29 electricity distribution businesses (EDBs), creating barriers for consumers wanting to install distributed energy resources (DER) such as rooftop solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging systems.

The review examined publicly available Connection and Operation Standards (COPS) and Network Connection Standards (NCS).

“Despite good intentions from EDBs, we found substantial variability across distributors. This lack of consistency is making it difficult for installers and consumers to navigate the system and is limiting opportunities for automation and efficiency gains,” says Dr Stuart Johnson, the Electricity Engineers’ Association’s Principal Advisor Engineering and Technical.

"Consumers are rapidly adopting distributed energy technologies and shifting from passive energy users to active participants in the electricity system. However, the current patchwork of technical standards is creating unnecessary complexity and barriers to realising the full potential of these technologies."

With consumers now able to generate their own electricity, store it, and sell it back to the grid while participating in demand-side management, consistent technical standards are crucial for safe, reliable, and cost-effective integration into local electricity networks.

Industry collaboration required

The findings highlight the importance of industry-led coordination, supported by light-touch regulatory oversight, to deliver a streamlined, standardised approach that improves outcomes for all stakeholders.

Recommendations include the need for:

• Industry-led, coordinated approach with standardised templates
• Consistent DER terminology across the sector
• Regular review cycles
• Monitoring systems to support continuous improvement

The Electricity Engineers' Association (EEA) is working closely with the Electricity Authority and Electricity Networks Aotearoa to streamline connections. This report provides valuable input into ongoing work to determine how industry and regulators can best collaborate to unlock DER potential while ensuring all stakeholders – including consumers – have the tools and information needed to participate effectively.

"This report represents another step forward in our collective effort to create a more integrated and efficient electricity system that works for everyone," added Dr Johnston.