National announces nine-point energy plan to lower power costs
Friday 2 October 2026 · 5 outlets · 6 reports · updated In this story National Party, Simeon Brown, Transpower
The National Party has unveiled its "Electrify NZ 2.0" energy policy aimed at reducing electricity bills and increasing security. The nine-point plan proposes allowing developers to build transmission, enabling consumers to sell rooftop solar, and requiring generators to provide easier access to backup power contracts.
Key facts
4 facts
- The energy plan is titled Electrify NZ 2.0
- The plan consists of nine specific points
- Residential and small business solar connections would require approval within two working days
- Affordability would be written into law as a core objective for the Electricity Authority
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
The National Party has unveiled a nine-point energy policy called "Electrify NZ 2.0" aimed at reducing power bills and increasing energy security if re-elected in November. The plan seeks to increase competition, supply, and choice for both households and businesses.
Under the proposal, developers, major users, and investors would be permitted to build transmission infrastructure and recover costs from users. To speed up connections, New Zealanders could select an accredited contractor rather than being restricted to their local network company.
The policy would allow homes and businesses using solar or batteries to sell electricity to any power company of their choice. National also intends to launch a Home Energy Fund to provide low-interest, long-term loans for investing in personal power and plug-in solar.
To address the "dry year problem", National would open the backup power market and require major generators to make backup power contracts more accessible. Additionally, AI data centres would be required to provide their own new, firmed power to avoid increasing prices.
Labour has criticised the plan as an "absolute fizzer" that offers more deregulation and promises rather than solutions. Energy spokesperson Megan Woods stated that the plan is not a way to bring power bills down.
Where reports differ
- One report describes the Home Energy Fund as less generous than a similar Labour scheme, while others do not mention this comparison
Compiled from reports by 1News, The Post, Stuff and RNZ.
