Connection Changes
From 1 April 2026, how connections are priced and how applications are submitted have changed.
What’s changed
From 1 April 2026:
- Connection costs need to be paid up front during the development stage.
- A new pricing structure applies to all connections.
- All applications must be submitted through our website (email applications will no longer be accepted).
- New policies, standards, and connection terms apply.
Who this affects
The connection changes apply to:
- New connections
- Changes or upgrades to existing connections
- Subdivisions and developments
- Solar and distributed generation (DG) connections.
Important note: Projects that have already been quoted and accepted, or ICP applications linked to work completed before 1 April 2026, will continue under our previous connection process and Capital Contributions Policy.
Change to how connection costs are structured
Prior to 1 April 2026, connection costs were split across different stages and fees, such as application fees and ICP connection-stage charges. From 1 April 2026, connection costs will be combined into a clearer, standard structure made up of:
- Cost to connect (The physical work and assets needed for a connection, including network extensions, upgrades, or reconfigurations)
- Capacity charge (A contribution towards the cost of providing shared network capacity).
Our posted capacity rate schedule and connection fees as of 1 April 2026 can be viewed here.
To review our new Connections Policy, click here.
Pioneer scheme changes
As part of the connection pricing changes from 1 April 2026, the way Pioneer Schemes apply is also changing.
While Pioneer Schemes will still allow the cost of some network extensions to be shared over time, who qualifies for Pioneer Schemes is changing. For example, real estate developments, connections that use standard published connection charges, and large connection contracts covered by other arrangements, will not qualify for Pioneer Schemes. You can learn more about what Pioneer Schemes are, how they work, and when they apply, in line with the Electricity Industry Participation Code’s (Part 6B.6–6B.9) requirements, here.
What the changes mean for your application
> Applications and quotes submitted before 1 April 2026 will follow the existing pricing structure, with costs paid at both the development and ICP application stages.
> Quotes that expire on or after 1 April 2026 may be requoted under the new pricing model.
> From 1 April 2026, all applications must be submitted via our website form. All will be assessed (other than those related to already completed developments) under the new pricing structure, with all costs paid upfront.
Our safety and technical requirements for connecting to the network remain unchanged.
Connection Charge Reconciliations – Effective from 1 April 2026
From 1 April 2026, you can request a Connection Charge Reconciliation at any stage of the connection process. This is a standardised breakdown that explains how your connection charge has been calculated under the new methodology. It doesn’t change your quote or the amount payable – it’s provided to help you understand the components and how they fit together. Please note that where Waipā Networks receives an ICP application for a connection that was quoted or established prior to 1 April 2026, Waipā Networks considers Part 6B of the Code does not apply, as the relevant charge was determined under the policy in effect at the time (even though it is payable at the ICP stage). As a result, a Connection Charge Reconciliation is not required or provided for these connections. The capacity charge (previously called the Connection Fee) is $2,372 (up to 70 kVA) or $34 per kVA (over 70 kVA). We’re happy to discuss the charge with the applicant on request.
Got a question about the 1 April 2026 connection changes?
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