Discounts on the way for Waipā Network customers

Waipā Networks customers are receiving the first of two discounts for 2025 off their power bill.

An estimated total of $2.8 million is set to be given back to customers across the network. That’s an average of about $97.65 per customer, with some having already received the discount on their latest bill.

Through the Waipā Networks Trust ownership model, chairperson Sarah Matthews says profits are retained in the community via these discounts, rather than going to external shareholders.

Since customer discounts began in 2001, Waipā Networks has distributed more than $100 million back to customers connected to its network.

“Along with customer discounts, we actively support a range of other community initiatives and projects that promote energy efficiency and benefit the wellbeing of our community,” she says.

The initiative is something that Waipā Networks Chief Executive Sean Horgan is proud to support, especially as the organisation celebrates a century of service to the community.

“As an organisation that’s 100% owned by the Waipā Networks Trust on behalf of our customers, we’re in a unique position where we can give back to the community that owns us. These discounts are just one way we can do this,” says Horgan.

Historically one of Aotearoa’s lowest-cost networks, the discount comes at a time when energy prices are rising across the country.

“The reason our line charges have been so low is because our network is a low-cost network driven by a simple 11kV structure.

“While this structure has served us well in the past, regional growth and increasing demands for electricity require us to invest and upgrade our network, which incurs a cost.”

“And that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re about to commission our new Hautapu substation that will bring 33kV to our network, creating more capacity for our customers to enjoy a more reliable and resilient electricity connection.”

Horgan says that’s just the beginning, with planning underway to upgrade the network in Te Awamutu.

Understanding that many households and businesses in Waipā are already feeling the pressure of increased living costs, Horgan hopes the discount can provide a small bit of relief to customers.

“These challenges are at the forefront of our minds as we approach these adjustments, and we are committed to mitigating the potential impacts on our community while ensuring our network is fit for purpose,” says Horgan.

If you were connected to Waipā Networks and registered with an electricity retailer on and as of 23 April 2025, you qualify for a discount.

Eligible customers should see “Waipā Networks Discount” or a similar description in their account.