MEPT Newsletter
June 2025
Welcome to the winter update of what’s happening at the Marlborough Electric Power Trust (MEPT).
2025 Annual Reporting Meeting
Trustees are pleased to announce the 2025 Annual Reporting Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 26th November 2025 at the Whitehaven Room, ASB Theatre Marlborough. More details to follow nearer the time.
Recently appointed Marlborough Lines directors well settled.
The two new Directors appointed to the Marlborough Lines Board in November 2024 have settled in well. Both local man Matt Kerr, and Gisborne based Matt Todd, are feeling inspired by their experience to date and are making meaningful contributions. Matt Kerr says, "It's been a very productive learning curve and we are both motivated to contribute our skills."
Annual Marlborough Lines Discount Payment
Eligible Marlborough electricity consumers will enjoy a reduced power bill, thanks to Marlborough Lines’ discount payments of approximately $12.4 million.
As a consumer-owned electricity distribution business, MLL shares its success with eligible consumers through the annual discount payment. Over the past 25 years, MLL has distributed approximately $182 million.
The annual discount payment amount is dependent on the connection type, number of days connected and electricity consumption across the year. The average amount received is $255 and will show as a credit on consumers’ May/June electricity bill.
Marlborough Lines sells 50% shareholding in Nelson Electricity
After a long period of successful joint ownership, Marlborough Lines has sold its 50% shareholding in Nelson Electricity to joint shareholder, Network Tasman, for $26.7 million. As a result, each MLL consumer will receive a $50 credit on their May/June electricity bill, in addition to the annual Marlborough Lines discount payment.
MLL Directors noted it was logical to sell as it’s a ‘no growth’ network and Network Tasman is the natural owner. Marlborough Lines will seek higher returns by investing in Marlborough-based renewable generation opportunities, including those currently underway through its subsidiary Energy Marlborough Limited.
Energy Marlborough
Marlborough Lines’ subsidiary generation business now has two fully functioning solar sites: Taylor Pass and the recently completed Seaview in the Awatere Valley. Energy Marlborough has benefitted from strong wholesale electricity spot prices from generation during the summer months.
Construction of the Ward solar site is progressing well with completion scheduled by the end of the year. This will bring Energy Marlborough’s total generation capacity to more than 12MW.
Powerful messages from Electricity Trusts NZ annual conference
Some of your trustees were able to attend the May conference of Electricity Trusts NZ which represents the nation’s power trusts.
The opening address from the Minister for Regulation, David Seymour, talked about the Government’s efforts to avoid another winter power shortage but noted Trusts would be ‘the meat in the sandwich’ if the power goes off. The Minister also openly mused about ending the ability of generators to sell power.
The Electricity Authority told trustees there was a fragility to our power supply in winter and it had a ‘fierce spotlight’ on the behaviour of the electricity market and was focusing on making power affordable.
The Electricity Networks Association advised that lines companies needed to be ‘lily white’ in ensuring they provided a level playing field and not favour their own efforts at generating and supplying power.
Trustees also heard from the Commerce Commission which oversees line company performance, and Utilities Disputes which helps resolve customer complaints, 95% of which are energy-related.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) advised of the various schemes it supports to reduce power use including a winter advertising campaign. It also pointed to new funding to equip community facilities with solar power and batteries to help at times of civil emergencies. The MEPT is now exploring this.
Electricity Market Performance Review
The Government has released a Cabinet paper noting it is timely to review the performance of the electricity market to ensure that regulation and market design are helping rather than hindering the provision of reliable and affordable electricity to all classes of consumer. You can read the full paper here