24 August 2026

Powering New Zealand's future: Electricity distributors prepare for tomorrow’s energy needs

New Zealand’s electricity distributors are preparing for a significant increase in energy demand as the country accelerates electrification, invests in renewable energy and works towards its net zero emissions target by 2050.

Industry leaders recently gathered at TechnologyOne’s first roundtable to discuss how the sector can prepare for growing energy demand, increasing electrification and evolving regulatory expectations.

Electricity distributors play a critical role in keeping New Zealand communities connected. As demand grows, they are investing in network upgrades and ensuring reliable supply during severe weather events and other disruptions. At the same time, they are navigating increasing regulatory expectations around pricing, reporting and long-term asset management, all while managing cost pressures for households and businesses.

Unison’s Chief Digital Officer, Dave Robertson, said “These industry conversations are critical now more than ever. Communities expect reliable service, regulators expect greater transparency, and the pressure to plan for future energy needs keeps rising. Meeting those expectations means making informed decisions about where we invest and how we continue delivering value for the people and businesses that rely on our network.”

Marlborough Lines Chief Financial Officer, Gareth Jones, said “It was great to get a number of representatives from different electricity distribution businesses in the room together to discuss the TechnologyOne suite of products and share insights and learnings. Using a collective voice to drive future system development is crucial to ensuring that we're efficiently positioning ourselves to meet tomorrow's needs.”

TechnologyOne’s New Zealand Country Manager, Ben Sheehan said “Many of these challenges aren't unique to a single organisation. Whether it's asset data, workforce capability or investment planning, there is real value in hearing how others have approached similar issues. These practical insights help organisations focus resources where they will have the greatest impact.”

As New Zealand’s energy needs evolve, industry collaboration and knowledge sharing will play an important role. Technology is helping electricity distributors strengthen network resilience, optimise investment and manage growing demand. Better data and connected operations, enable the sector to build the future-ready networks needed to power New Zealand's transition to a low-emissions economy.