Protocol between electricity retailers and social agencies

The Commission has facilitated a protocol between retailers and social agencies, which is intended to complement the Guideline on arrangements to assist low-income consumers.

This protocol sets out the expectations of the parties,  and what actions may be undertaken jointly to assist low-income consumers.

The objectives of the protocol are to:

• reduce the number of avoidable disconnections through communication between retailers and social agencies; and
• ensure low income consumers have access to information and tools to assist them in managing their electricity costs.
• Final national protocol pdf [50 KB]

The following organisations and electricity retailers are represented on the working group that developed the protocol:

Citizens’ Advice Bureaux – Louise May
Contact Energy – Kerry McMillan
Genesis Energy – Lyn Grant
Meridian Energy – Alan Seay
Mighty River Power – Mark Carter
Ministry of Social Development – Janet Green
New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services – Jeremy Irvine
New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services – Colin Lewis
Salvation Army – Craig Fleury
Trustpower – Joanne Drake

David Close of the Commission chaired the working group.

Meeting papers

• 19 December 2005
• 16 February 2006
• 10 March 2006