ComCom NZ

Regulators Consider Non-Network Solutions Feedback From Distributors

The Commerce Commission, Electricity Authority, and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) are considering feedback received from electricity distributors on how non-network solutions—including flexible electricity use, energy efficiency, distributed generation, and storage—could support growing demand at lower cost than traditional network extension. Most submitters agreed that non-network solutions can play an important role in managing system costs as New Zealand electrifies, though views differed on implementation speed and necessary safeguards. Regulators will now determine next steps to enable more non-network solutions where they support an efficient, reliable, and lower-cost network for consumers.

Co-operative Bank Fined $2.482M for Unreasonable Fees, Remediates 48,249 Customers $7.225M

The High Court imposed a $2.482 million penalty on Co-operative Bank for breaching the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (CCCFA) by charging customers unreasonable fees. The bank remediated 48,249 customers approximately $7.225 million for overcharging across twelve fee types including Home Loan Establishment Fees, Overdraft Facility Fees, and Personal Loan Establishment Fees, with most fees charged between June 2015 and November 2021. The investigation began after Co-operative Bank self-reported its conduct to the Commerce Commission.

Commerce Commission Declines Clearance for Kegstar's Konvoy Acquisition

The Commerce Commission has declined to give clearance to Kegstar New Zealand Limited to acquire the kegs, beacons, and New Zealand keg records from Konvoy New Zealand Limited. The proposed acquisition would have combined the only two providers of PPF (pay-per-fill) services in New Zealand, which the Commission found would substantially lessen competition in that market. The Commission determined that no existing competitors could constrain the merged entity, new entry is unlikely, and customer self-supply options would be insufficient to prevent an exercise of market power. The ACCC is also investigating this acquisition.

Fuel Surcharge Guidance and Multiple Regulatory Updates from Commerce Commission NZ

The Commerce Commission NZ published a collection of regulatory updates on 22 April 2026, including guidance on fuel surcharges, merger review statements, infrastructure approvals, and enforcement actions. The High Court imposed a $2.482 million penalty on Co-operative Bank for breaching the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003. The Commission proposed approving Transpower's $1.1386 billion capex allowance for Cook Strait cable replacement and approved Wellington Electricity's substation upgrade for central Wellington power supply protection. Multiple merger reviews remain ongoing.

Competition Matters Conference 2026, 14th May, Auckland

The Commerce Commission NZ has announced its 2026 conference, Competition Matters, scheduled for Thursday 14 May at the New Zealand International Conference Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. The event will feature speakers and panellists from government, the OECD, and the business community discussing competition and consumer welfare issues. Registration is open via competitionmatters.nz/register. This is a conference announcement with no new regulatory obligations.

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