Electricity network standards are changing
Environmental standards for electricity network activities are being changed, mainly affecting network operators.
Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Electricity Network Activities) Amendment Regulations 2026
What's changing
- More routine electricity transmission maintenance and upgrades can be carried out under simpler activity rules.
- New national standards will cover electricity distribution activities, including lines, cabinets, poles, and underground networks.
- New rules will protect electricity networks from nearby building, earthworks, subdivision, and other activities.
- Some tree removal, earthworks, blasting, and vegetation work will have new conditions and notice requirements.
- The regulations’ name will change to cover electricity network activities, not just transmission and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Who's affected
Electricity transmission and distribution businesses, landowners and developers near network assets, councils, and people carrying out related earthworks or vegetation work are affected.
When
The changes come into force on 8 October 2026.
What you might need to do
- Electricity network businesses may need to check whether planned work meets the new activity standards.
- People planning building, earthworks, subdivision, tree work, or similar activities near electricity network assets may need to check the new rules.
- Give the required notice to the relevant council before certain tree or vegetation work.
Background
The government says the changes will make more routine electricity network work possible under national rules and protect the network from nearby activities. They also add standards for electricity distribution and clarify which regional and local councils are responsible for different matters.