Help planning your connection

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Help planning your connection

Welcome to the power team

When you connect to the New Zealand Grid you become one of our customers and we will support you with a dedicated Customer Relationship Manager and we will draft an individual engagement plan with you.

Read more（https://www.transpower.co.nz/connections/customer-information）

For further information on our process check out the information below or contact us at [email protected]（https://www.transpower.co.nz/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1774626463787a72653964787b62637e787964576365767964677860726539747839796d286462757d7274632a547879797274637e787964322527476578747264643225273a322527466272656e）.

New customer - information checklist（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/uncontrolled_docs/New customer - information checklist to help Transpower tailor our connection process.pdf?VersionId=3RrJAVVizXAjHjyX08p51eGgCg.bfzfA）

New Connections General FAQ（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/2022-10/New Connections general FAQ.pdf?VersionId=wH99aZ0ze0emFXOHM2P0xwVx6nzd7v8S）

Further detail on the connection process Guidelines for new connections To support our customers to connect (generation, storage or demand), we recognise the need to deliver new connections quickly, consistently, and efficiently.

To help accelerate customer connections we’ve developed additional guidance Guidelines for new connections（https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.transpower.co.nz%2Fpublic%2F2025-07%2FGuidelines%2520for%2520new%2520connections%2520to%2520the%2520grid.pdf%3FVersionId%3DX7_n07lnQwNkdPSqmCk7W6mgrhA78SFL&data=05%7C02%7CJoseph.Hornell%40transpower.co.nz%7C22d7248d5af745f5683208ddc286b8e3%7Ccb644580651946f6a00f5bac4352068f%7C0%7C0%7C638880606082160300%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XrVv%2BBSNxOVclT5ACRut6FejwhxNy%2FOjGH1YblxHchg%3D&reserved=0）. This document outlines:

the principles we apply when planning new connections, the reasoning behind the principles, and any specific connection design requirements

how firmly we intend to adhere to the design requirements e.g. some requirements are mandatory, others are preferences

and provides greater clarity on the types of standardised connection solutions we’d offer, e.g. H bus, Breaker and Half, Hard Tee designs – and under what circumstances different types of connection would be offered.

Going forward this guidance applies primarily to new green field connections (be they Transpower or customer led). Brownfield (existing) sites remain treated on a case by case basis. It is also not intended to apply the guideline retrospectively to existing of substantively progressed connections at the time of first publication (July 2025).

Transpower will review and update the guidelines as required. Application stage for generation and storage connections To manage high interest in connecting grid scale generation and storage, and to focus resourcing on projects which are more likely to be built, Transpower requires a formal Application for grid scale generation and storage connection requests to join our generation pipeline.

Applicants for grid scale generation and storage projects requiring new Transpower assets will need to:

provide evidence of project readiness via an Application Form, and

agree to Transpower publishing limited project information, and

pay an Application Fee, and

meet project milestones to demonstrate progress during the Investigation and delivery stages. Where milestones are missed and the issue is not remedied within a reasonable time, a project may be placed on-hold and project resources re-allocated. When ready to re-start a project may have to wait until new resources are available. In extreme cases the project may be terminated. For further detail on projects being placed on hold see this process flow - On-hold Process V1 PDF（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/2025-03/On-hold Process V1.pdf?VersionId=D58wtFtxVXW_3toITZuO6PLV7oSsCgXo） (4/3/2025).

For further information on our Application stage check out the information below or contact us at [email protected]（https://www.transpower.co.nz/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5b382e282f34363e29752834372e2f323435281b2f293a35282b342c3e2975383475352164282e39313e382f66183435353e382f323435287e696b0b2934383e28287e696b767e696b0a2e3e2922）.

On 1 July 2024 we completed a review of our Connection Management Framework, the outcome of which is available in the following document:

Connection Management Framework Review Decision Document（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/2024-07/Decision paper Changes to the Connection Management Framework 1 July 2024.pdf?VersionId=wlGIcgLAfrTqlwObnOhhl.qZuUR8PROE） (1/7/2024)

For new applications see the following process document which includes the latest Application Form and Guidance notes:

Connection Management Framework - process document V3.0（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/2025-12/Connection Management Framework - process document V3 December 2025.pdf?VersionId=vrDi0iZ4g2u3.ngINOPPR0kUpIAoOcTd） (22/12/2025) Customer-led new connections When will Transpower consider a customer-led connection?

Transpower’s usual process for new Transpower connections works sequentially from concept assessment to investigation, then delivery, with Transpower leading all stages. Some generation or industrial load developers seeking a connection to Transpower may request to lead all or part of the connection process and undertake some of the work themselves.

Our original customer-led new connections guideline has been withdrawn while we review when and under what conditions Transpower may agree to a customer-led approach for connection of new generation or industrial load to Transpower’s transmission network. Transpower involvement is always required, although the extent of this will vary by project.

Please contact us to discuss what can and cannot be customer-led for your project if you are interested in pursuing this as an option. We expect to publish a new guideline on this page in the second half of 2026. Competing connections How do we manage competing connections?

The electricity market in New Zealand is designed to be competitive, encouraging economic investment in new generation to compete against, and potentially replace, existing generation. As a regulated monopoly Transpower provides open access connections to New Zealand’s power system. Transpower will connect any new development (generation or demand) where the new connection is technically and logistically feasible, the developer covers all incremental costs associated with the connection, and our ability to operate the power system for the benefit of New Zealand is not compromised. Transpower does not consider the economics of a connection and does not provide advice on whether a project will be financially viable.

With open access there is no guaranteed right to transmission capacity beyond the use of the dedicated Transpower assets forming your direct connection to the power system. After you are connected Transpower may connect competing generation to local Transpower assets not dedicated to your connection. This may require you to compete for transmission capacity in the wholesale electricity market.

For a proposed new point of connection Transpower commits any local spare connection capacity on a first ready first served basis. Spare capacity is committed when we have accepted an application request for your connection and is conditional on your demonstration of reasonable progress against an agreed project milestones. We do not allow companies to ‘reserve spots’ earlier in the connection process to mitigate the risk developers might bank connections for projects that will never be built.

If you have an active connection project with Transpower, but are yet to commit to a Transpower connection, we may receive a request from another party to invest in a connection at the same location. In the interests of operating transparently whilst protecting confidentiality, if we receive a competing connection request at your connection location we will inform you of the existence of this request, and any potential impacts to your project.

We have implemented a generation connection management framework including a formal application stage for generation connections and publication of our generation and non-generation connection pipelines, with the aim of increasing transparency and certainty for your proposed connection in relation to other competing connection requests.

Where multiple parties share a connection location and there is a present or future need for a capacity upgrade to connection assets at that location, all connected parties must agree between them how they will share the Transpower cost to implement an upgrade. In accordance with the Code, Transpower does not determine cost sharing arrangements for capacity upgrades to shared connection assets subject to customer investments. Transpower may facilitate this conversation and may suggest methodologies which connected parties have used in other locations, e.g. a ratio based on anytime maximum load or generation. For shared load connections the following flow chart outlines the process and the associated regulations.

Shared connection upgrade process flow chart（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/2023-09/Multiple customers at a connection location where N-1 cannot be satisifed.pdf?VersionId=5RzfKWFu5LJsxuWBVQkjoHYgVcmK2XCJ） Service options and connection levels We will work with you to identify the type of service you require from New Zealand’s National Grid and collaborate on the initial concept assessment. This can vary from a 24/7 ‘always on’ solutions with double-circuit connection and n-1 security in transformer and critical equipment through to lower resilience, lower cost connection solutions. Note, lower resilience connections often require additional operational constraints and extra commercial conditions, potentially including indemnifying Transpower for any associated new risks or increased whole of life operating costs. Low resilience connections will not be feasible on critical parts of our Grid and are offered at Transpower's discretion.

Lower resilience connections may also have implications relating to the System Operator's event categorisation and therefore your share of Instantaneous Reserve (IR) cost allocation for a generation project. More information about event categorisation can be found through this link Event categorisation | Transpower（https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.transpower.co.nz%2Fsystem-operator%2Finformation-industry%2Foperational-information-system%2Fevent-categorisation&data=05%7C02%7CRupert.Holbrook%40transpower.co.nz%7Cbbd94d72dfb2460ac18c08df19c804a3%7Ccb644580651946f6a00f5bac4352068f%7C0%7C0%7C639258018999322437%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=okh4O5KeqyPvjJ2t97v%2B306LfXNGdSTZ1YW53SECge0%3D&reserved=0）.

As at July 2024 Transpower no longer offers Hard Tee connections for new connections to existing 220 kV transmission lines.

Typical new generation connection options and cost ranges（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/uncontrolled_docs/Typical new generation connection options and cost ranges.pdf?VersionId=p9KrEdylDaKo9iXRe_XTZxb16_CZr6Ro）

Typical new load connection options and cost ranges（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/uncontrolled_docs/Typical new load connection options and cost ranges.pdf?VersionId=y2j6a2_ExEh9DDXrmVQXUnYqWVJ3bCmN）

Typical connection options - reference diagrams（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/uncontrolled_docs/Typical connection options - reference diagrams.pdf?VersionId=TXk1cT_uOV487w8eVwasQoj6c6auvUvE）

Minor changes to existing connections

If you need to make configuration changes to an existing connection, but don't require an upgrade, you will need to work with Transpower to coordinate changes to secondary systems. Our Protection & Automation Operational Engineering team can assess your need and advise how to proceed. If this applies to you, please complete and return the following form:

Transpower Protection & Automation Change Request Form（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/2022-10/Transpower Protection and Automation Change Request Form.docx?VersionId=qu93Jy4kaUVbEvaj.nFelSMJkmnQIBCt）

Preferred consenting approach

As customer project numbers continue to increase, we have developed a preferred approach to consenting to better support our customers in obtaining their environmental approvals in a timely manner. This new approach will empower our customers to lead the consenting process and have greater control over project timeframes, while still enabling Transpower to build, operate and maintain our assets. Please click here（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/uncontrolled_docs/Consenting approach for customer project1.pdf?VersionId=emkfcwfGBPY2biCx4Uyh2hlc_SyuF9_k） to view our preferred consenting approach information sheet.

Building the renewable generation we need to deliver New Zealand’s energy future – a discussion document for consenting authorities

Transpower analysis of the balance between electricity supply and demand shows that Aotearoa New Zealand must deliver new electricity generation faster if we are to reliably meet growing demand for electricity from communities across the country.

We have developed this discussion document to provide consenting authorities with this important context when reviewing and processing resource consent applications for renewable electricity generation facilities. We also welcome existing generators and prospective investors to share this document with authorities when discussing potential new generation facilities or making applications.

Click here to read the discussion document.（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/uncontrolled_docs/Building the renewable generation we need to deliver New Zealands energy future - a discussion document for consenting authorities.pdf?VersionId=xIB8y0ufjiHRgvsWCXJDMMEFXDQiQLxz） Standard Transpower conceptual designs for new greenfield connections Transpower is developing standard conceptual designs for new greenfield customer connections. The first of these covers a 220 kV single circuit in/out substation configured as either a Grid Exit Point (GXP) or Grid Injection Point (GIP). Standard conceptual designs for other connection types will be developed over time.

Standard conceptual designs can be used to accelerate the investigation stage of a greenfield new connection project but will typically need some adjustment for site specific constraints. The package includes detailed engineering designs as well as simplified layouts and spatial views suitable for inclusion as examples in a consent application.

Standard conceptual designs will be used by Transpower as a starting point for applicable Transpower connection investigations. If developers or Engineering Consultants (ECs) wish to use a Transpower’s standard conceptual designs prior to a Transpower investigation or for a customer-led investigation the developer or EC must purchase a subscription to Transpower’s standards subscription service. Third party use of Transpower standards without a subscription is not permitted.

More information on Transpower’s standards subscription service can be found on our Customer Information page（https://www.transpower.co.nz/connect-grid/customer-information）. Future decommissioning liabilities For fixed term connection projects involving new Transpower lines and substations there may be future decommissioning liabilities recognised at the time of connection. This will depend on the associated property arrangements and should be considered carefully from the outset.

Read this short guide and decision tree for more details on this topic.

Future Decommissioning Liability Guideline（https://static.transpower.co.nz/public/2025-04/Decommissioning liability guideline Apr 2025.pdf?VersionId=bS0CFsKU3Kndi.Nv9AKpzpU4dR4NOsRR） Generation connection prioritisation guideline The Generation Connection Prioritisation Guideline provides a high-level framework for Transpower to consider generation connection prioritisation in limited circumstances. Further implementation details, including assessment criteria and customer commitment requirements, are being developed.

How this fits with our connection process

Transpower manages generation connection enquiries through our connection process and the Connection Management Framework. These arrangements provide an orderly process for progressing connection projects.

Most generation connection projects will continue to progress in sequence. However, in the limited circumstances set out in section 3.6 of the Connection Management Framework, Transpower may consider progressing a project, or a small group of projects, earlier where:

a project is deemed to be significant for the security of the power system (the power system need would be identified by the System Operator);

a project that shares scope with other work that is scheduled to be resourced earlier than the relevant project, where Transpower determines that both projects can be delivered more efficiently if they are bundled together;

where this enables workforce and/or resource efficiencies (for example, where we have resources available at a particular location);

a project that requires no more than minor new Transpower capital assets or resources, and that may be progressed without having a significant impact on the other projects already in the Pipeline seeking to connect at the same location, may be accelerated to the Investigation stage. If, however, during the course of the project Transpower obtains further information or determines that any of these circumstances have materially changed (for example if the scope increases to require more than minor new Transpower capital assets), Transpower may require the project to return to its original position in the Pipeline.