Before electricity reaches you, it goes through a number of stages:

Generation

There are four major generation companies responsible for creating New Zealand’s electricity from a range of sources. The primary method is hydro which accounts for approximately half of Aotearoa’s electricity generation. The four major generation companies are:

• Meridian Energy
• Contact Energy
• Genesis Energy
• Mercury

Transmission

To transport electricity across the country from generators to distributors, a high voltage transmission network is required. This network, known as the National Grid, is owned and operated by Transpower, a state-owned enterprise. Around 200 Grid Exit Points (GXPs) allow the National Grid to connect to distribution networks like Wellington Electricity.

Distribution

This is where we* fit in. Wellington Electricity is one of 29 distribution companies. We connect to the National Grid at nine GXP locations within our region. Each GXP substation transforms electricity to a lower voltage for distribution through overhead lines or underground cables to homes and businesses.

Retail

Retailers purchase electricity from the electricity market and, through the transmission and distribution networks, meter the electricity usage of consumers' premises. The retailers package the transmission and lines charges from Wellington Electricity, along with the amount of electricity used, to create a single bill for customers.