Unison Price Change FAQ's - 2025

This year the revenue that Unison can receive through line charges is increasing by 24%. 

Residential charges are set to increase in line with the overall 26% increase. The estimate for an average household is that the distribution component of your power bill will go up by approximately $12 per month. Your final electricity charges are set by your retailer, so it is important that you read any updates from your retailer about upcoming price changes.  

Pricing for each region is adjusted separately to make sure no region pays for another, as required by the Commerce Commission.

This depends on how much electricity you use. On average, for most residential customers, the network part, including transmission charges, makes up about 45% of the total monthly bill.

Unison is the sole distributor of electricity in Rotorua, Taupō, and Hawke's Bay, so the Commerce Commission regulates our prices. The Commission's aim is to ensure long-term consumer benefits through investment, innovation, and quality services, while preventing excessive profits.
The Commission has set a 'Price-Quality Path' that limits Unison's prices for the 5-year period until 2030 along with established reliability targets for the network.

We understand that rising electricity prices can be challenging for households and businesses. Over the next five years, prices will help cover past increases in costs due to inflation and higher interest rates, as well as investments needed to maintain a safe and reliable network for our communities. These investments are essential to meet growing energy demands and ensure the network is ready for the future. We’re committed to managing these changes carefully and investing only where necessary to support our consumers. 

For large commercial customers, line charges are determined by the level and timing of your electricity use. To understand how these changes affect your business, please contact Unison Relationship Manager Isabelle Crawshaw at 06 879 4922. 

The Hawke’s Bay Power Consumers Trust owns Unison Networks on behalf of the power consumers in Napier and Hastings. Each year, Unison pays a dividend to the Hawke’s Bay Power Consumers Trust, which then distributes it to the power consumers of Hawke’s Bay. 
Unison's goal is to gradually increase the dividend while also investing in the network. The Trust may use part of this money for initiatives that benefit its consumers like placing electricity cables underground, or other projects. The rest of Unison’s profits go back into improving the network. 

Consumers should shop around for the best deals from electricity retailers, as prices can vary significantly in different regions. Switching suppliers is now easy and usually takes less than 10 days. More information is available at www.whatsmynumber.co.nz or www.powerswitch.org.nz.
Local budget advisors and the Citizens Advice Bureau can help consumers find cheaper electricity providers or better pricing plans. 

Unison has partnered with the EnergyMate programme which gives communities advice on how to heat their homes in an affordable way, use appliances efficiently and keep their home warm. For some helpful tips on how to save energy visit here.

To find out more about how the EnergyMate programme works visit www.energymate.nz 

To find out if the EnergyMate services in your area are a right fit for your whānau contact your relative provider:

Hawke’s Bay (Hastings & Napier) - Ngāti Pāhauwera Development Trust
[email protected]
027 310 4503

Taupō – Tūramatia
[email protected]
020 406 43236

Rotorua – Rotorua Whānau Services
[email protected]
027 414 4475