Our connection process
We’re focused on efficiently connecting you to the grid. Kiwis need an abundant and diverse supply of electricity from new generators. Distribution networks and major industrial users need to electrify operations on their own timeframes. Our part is to connect large-scale projects and deliver upgrades to the national grid, so power can be moved where it’s needed.
We adapt our connection process depending on your needs, but it generally follows the project journey shown here.
We will work with you closely to ensure your project is a success. Connecting to the power system takes careful and coordinated planning. As well as supporting you through the grid connection process, we’ll also support you to work alongside the system operator, ensuring you’re meeting our operational and compliance requirements, and through commissioning. We'll also guide you as you work with our IT experts to ensure your asset data is integrated into power and market systems.
Some projects connect to distribution networks, not directly to the grid. While there is no connection project, we still need to work with these project owners to support them through our system operator and IT processes to have their assets fully commissioned and operational in power and market systems.
The New Zealand power system is run on open access principles. You can request to build and connect anywhere you want but Transpower will always need to manage the integrity and security of the transmission system. You cannot buy or reserve transmission capacity on the transmission system.
Please engage with us early so that our teams and our service provider network can meet your expectations.
Our connection management framework
Our connection management framework determines how projects move through our connection process and supports us to deploy our engineering and project resources efficiently.
Connection Management Framework - process document V3.0 (22/12/2025).
We're also focused on making sure we're investing their time on projects that are ready to proceed through the stages of our grid connection process described below.
"Ready to proceed" generally means:
- you are ready to sign a services agreement and statement of work to proceed to the next stage
- you have a final investment decision for the residual application fee and the solution proposal costs
- your project connection need date justifies an investigation in the near term
- your plans for securing property rights and consents remain on track.
Progress is dependent on timely work and decisions, both by Transpower and our customers. Where customers are unable to advance their project in line with the agreed plan and timeline, the grid connection project may stall. In this situation, we may put stalled projects on hold and reallocate resources to other projects.
There are contracts and costs associated with the different stages in the lead up to committing to project delivery, and these vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the project. The best way to get started is to get in touch with us.
Grid connection workstream information continues below.
Click here for information about our operational data integration workstream.
Information about our commissioning workstream - commissioning generation and commissioning large load. Requirements for asset owners more broadly may also be helpful.
Getting started
Initial enquiry
Our grid connection process starts with an initial enquiry. Contact us to discuss your plans - email [email protected].
Concept Assessment
Following engagement with us, you complete a Concept Assessment Questionnaire and if applicable a Transpower Services Agreement. One of our subject matter experts will assess your request and requirements. Our standard concept assessment turnaround time is 35-45 working days depending on levels of inquiry and the complexity of each case.
At this point, you'll be working with one of our Customer Relationship Managers, who will work with you as the process continues, ensuring you have the information you need from us and know what to expect.