Aurora Energy

Aurora Energy is New Zealand's seventh largest electricity distribution network by customer connections, supplying electricity to 91,600 homes, farms and businesses in Dunedin, Central Otago, and the Queenstown-Lakes District. Aurora Energy is owned by Dunedin City Holdings Limited on behalf of the Dunedin City Council. In the period 2013 to 2020,... there were multiple criticisms of Aurora Energy for poor network reliability, creating safety hazards for workers and the public, historic under-investment, and the need for large price increases to fund the renewal of ageing assets. Independent commentators criticised the owner Dunedin City Holdings, for taking large dividends from Aurora Energy to fund the construction of the Forsyth Barr Stadium, instead of ensuring appropriate expenditure on ageing assets. In March 2020, Aurora Energy was fined almost $5 million for failing to meet regulated network reliability performance standards during the 2016–2019 period. At the same time, the Commerce Commission acknowledged that in the period since 2016, Aurora had taken steps to improve the quality of service quality across its network, including the appointment of a new board and management and beginning a major programme of capital works. In March 2021, the Commerce Commission announced their final decision on an investment and revenue proposal submitted by Aurora Energy. The decision allows expenditure of up to $609 million over the period 2021–26, to replace end-of-life equipment and improve safety and reliability. This will result in significant increases in electricity lines charges for all customers, particularly those in Central Otago and Wanaka.Read More