The last few years have seen an increase in severe weather events across Tairāwhiti and Wairoa, exemplified by Cyclone Gabrielle and reflected in consistently high levels of rainfall. Firstlight Network is committed to ensuring that the region’s electricity network can withstand these events and is not only reliable today but is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Firstlight Network, which is part of Clarus, recently updated its pricing to reflect national regulations set by the Commerce Commission. These rules determine how much revenue electricity distributors like Firstlight Network are allowed to recover to maintain and improve their networks. As a result, most customers will have seen an increase in their monthly electricity bills from April 2025.
George Drysdale, Firstlight Network Manager said, “We understand that this is a tough time for many in our community as households and businesses across Tairāwhiti and Wairoa continue to face rising living costs, so investment in the network needs to be affordable.
“We want people to know that this price change is supporting the work we’re doing to strengthen the network and ensure it can meet the growing energy needs of our region.”
Electricity demand in Tairāwhiti and Wairoa is forecast to increase by 68% by 2050, driven by population growth, new developments and the electrification of transport and industry. To meet this rising demand and reduce the risk of unplanned outages, Firstlight Network has accelerated its asset renewal programme. This includes replacing aging transformers, circuit breakers, poles and maintaining the 110kV transmission towers that are essential to keeping power flowing across the region.
Drysdale said, “We’re future-proofing the network so it’s ready for whatever comes next. That means replacing equipment that’s decades old, upgrading key substations in Wairoa and Mahia and improving our response to extreme weather, all while keeping safety and reliability at the centre of everything we do.”
In addition to investing in infrastructure, the company is tackling common causes of network outages. For example, tree-related incidents are a known issue in the region. Firstlight Network has set a target to reduce these types of outages by five percent each year through active vegetation management.
Firstlight Network’s work doesn’t stop there. The company remains embedded in the local community, backing initiatives that support education, sport, and wellbeing.
Drysdale said, “One particularly valuable initiative is Firstlight Network’s sponsorship of EnergyMate in Wairoa, a free energy coaching service that helps whānau struggling with high power bills and cold homes.”
For households looking to manage their energy use, Drysdale said there are some simple ways to make a difference.
“Energy efficiency starts at home, using LED light bulbs, switching off appliances at the wall, washing laundry with cold water and keeping homes well insulated are all effective ways to reduce power use and your bill,”.
Firstlight Network has made a range of tools and resources available through its online Home Energy Hub, including links to organisations like EECA and EnergyMate, which offer tailored energy advice and assistance.
“Everyone deserves access to safe, reliable electricity and by investing in resilience today, we’re making sure our community is powered for generations to come,” added Drysdale.
More information is available at: firstlightnetwork.co.nz/tell-me-about/home-energy-hub/latest-network-pricing
For more information please contact: Cressida Gates-Thompson, Clarus External Communications Specialist, 027 703 6177 / Cressida.gates-thompson@clarus.co.nz
