Changes to connecting generation to the Orion network from 1 December 2026
We're changing how you apply to connect generation (such as rooftop solar or batteries) to our network. These changes have been triggered by the Electricity Authority (EA) updating the rules in Part 6 - Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (the Code). The new rules apply to all electricity distributors across New Zealand.
From 1 December 2026:
- There'll be a new application process for generation applications.
- Application processes will differ depending on the size of your generation.
- Size will be based on your maximum export power (how much electricity you can send into the network) rather than the nameplate capacity of your equipment.
Size (maximum export power)
- Small – 10 kW or less
Two application processes, including a simpler, streamlined option for straightforward installations (Process 1A). - Medium – above 10 kW and below 300 kW
A two-stage application process (initial and final), with clock stop/start mechanism and queue management. - Large – 300 kW or more
A three-stage application process (initial, interim, and final) with project milestones, clock stop/start mechanism, and queue management.
The Electricity Authority have updated the application groupings into small, medium and large. They have also introduced stages within each application group - initial, interim, and final - with each application group being mandated on the applicable stages and the SLAs we need to adhere to.
What this means for you
Updated systems and more information
To meet the new requirements, we're updating our systems and processes, including the generation application in Orion Online Services Portal. If you are applying after 1 December 2026, you'll be using our new generation application.
You'll be asked to provide complete and accurate information upfront and this will help us process your application faster.
A cut off for applications in the old system
We'll stop taking generation applications through the existing Online Services Portal at 5pm, Wednesday 25 November 2026. This gives us time to make sure the new application system is ready for 1 December 2026.
From 5pm, Wednesday 25 November 2026 any incomplete or unsubmitted applications will be cancelled and you will need to start a new application in the new portal from 1 December 2026.
A national approach to managing the queue
Along with other electricity distributors across New Zealand we'll follow a common queueing and management policy for medium and large generation applications. In practice, this means:
- Clearer priority positions – applications are given a place in the queue, so you'll have better visibility of where your project sits.
- A clock stop/start mechanism – the timeframes for processing your application can pause while we're waiting on information from you or a third party, or you are waiting for information from us, and restart once it's received.
- Project milestones for large generation – once a large project is approved, it will need to meet agreed milestones to keep its place. This helps make sure projects that are ready to go aren't held up by those that aren't progressing.
Publishing a connections pipeline
We'll be required to publish and maintain a network connections pipeline showing large generation projects seeking to connect to our network. We'll also be required to provide regular pipeline information to the Electricity Authority.
We're here to help
We know change can take some getting used to, and we're happy to help you through the process. If you have further questions about how these changes affect you, please email ✉︎ generation connections team.
What's next
As part of the Electricity Authority's connection reform we'll also be making similar changes to the application processes for general electricity connections (commonly referred to as "load"). These will take effect from 1 June 2027 and we'll share more information about these updates closer to the time.