The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko has provided clarification on the definition of “small businesses” eligible for rebates.
Electricity distribution businesses (lines companies) will issue the rebates when power, such as excess solar or battery capacity, is fed into the local network during peak demand periods.
The decision takes effect from 1 April 2026, covering all households and small businesses with a network connection of up to 45 kVA that export no more than 45 kW of electricity to the grid.
Thus, rebates will extend to small businesses with greater generation capacity, provided they cap their grid injection at 45 kW.
“This is good news for both residential consumers and small businesses who have invested in small-scale energy such as solar and batteries. It helps ensure people have choices over how they consume and supply power,” Electricity Authority chief executive Sarah Gillies said.
She said small businesses and consumers will be incentivised to feed excess power into the network during high-demand periods, earning rewards in return.
“We’re keen for small businesses and households with solar to begin benefiting now, while we do further work on how to reward businesses with higher generation potential when they provide benefits to the network.”
The Authority will amend the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (Code) and publish the full decision paper early next year but is announcing its ruling now to give electricity distribution companies time to incorporate suitable rebate mechanisms into their April 2026 pricing schedules.