New electricity connection

The information we need will depend on the type of connection you're applying for and your specific circumstances. 

When you apply, we'll usually ask for details such as  

• the property address 
• site or building plans 
• the type of connection you need 
• when you'll need power connected  
• how the property will use electricity  

Once we've reviewed your application, we'll let you know if we need any additional information and guide you through the next steps.

Please apply as soon as you can, as this allows us more time to get ready to connect you. We encourage you to discuss your electricity connection requirements with a registered electrician prior to requesting a new connection.

Flexible connections provide an alternative means for enabling customers access to network load and export capacity without requiring significant network reinforcements. Flexible connections enable quicker and more affordable access to import and export connections. This is the result of utilising the existing spare capacity already available on the existing network infrastructure rather than increasing capacity through network build. 

For some customers, this could include reducing electricity use during peak demand periods, such as EV charging, fleet charging, battery storage or some industrial equipment. 

Flexible connection arrangements may help reduce connection or ongoing costs. If you're planning a new connection, talk to us about your requirements at flexibility.opportunities@vector.co.nz and we'll let you know whether flexible options are available. Some electricity retailers may also offer plans that reward you for using electricity at off peak periods times, such as controlled hot water or time-of-use plans.

Please visit orders.vector.co.nz to request the electricity connection and call 0800 22 22 60 to request the gas connection. As these are different connections with different processes, you will need to request these separately.

Ongoing charges depend on the type and size of your connection. 

For larger connections, some charges may be based on the amount of network capacity you've requested, rather than how much electricity you use straight away. These charges generally apply from the date your connection is livened. 

This means that if your electricity use is lower while your site is getting established, your charges may still be based on the capacity that has been made available for your connection. 

We'll explain any applicable charges as part of the connection process.

Vector usually owns the network equipment (i.e. lines, poles, and other equipment) up to the point of supply, which is usually the isolating fuse located either on the boundary of your property or on the pole nearest to your property. 

Equipment beyond the point of supply is installed, owned and maintained by the property owner, as the property owner owns the service line between the point of supply and the meter. If you have any safety concerns regarding the condition of any of this equipment, please call 09 927 3939 and we will complete a free safety check. The crew will inspect the equipment and advise you if any maintenance is required. Items such as meters and hot water relays are the responsibility of your electricity retailer.  

At industrial or rural sites, Vector generally owns and maintains the high voltage overhead lines and underground cables, switchgear and transformers on these properties. More information on line ownership can be found here.

Electricity and gas easements are important because they benefit both Vector and landowners by: 

1. Protecting a landowner’s safety by formally recording the location of the gas and/or electricity reticulation equipment on their property title. 
2. Providing us with legal rights to access your property so that we can operate, maintain or replace our equipment. 

Easements are required over installed Vector owned gas and electricity equipment to allow those assets to remain on private property and to provide us with ongoing access rights. 

Vector owned equipment means equipment installed by us as part of our work supplying customers with electricity or gas. This can include pits, poles, lines, cables, fuses and transformers, gas pipes, gas measurement systems, distribution systems and fittings, and other associated equipment. 

Private property means real property that is privately owned and includes privately and jointly owned access roads in subdivisions, Council local purpose reserve or recreation land and Crown land. 

Equipment installed on private property before 1 January 1993 

For electricity and gas equipment installed on private property prior to 1 January 1993, we have existing use rights (which is a statutory right contained in the Electricity Act 1992) and will not usually require an easement unless we need to install new equipment or relocate existing equipment. 

If new equipment is to be installed, we will require an easement over all new equipment together with any existing equipment as it may no longer be protected under the pre-existing statutory use rights. 

We will let you know when an easement is required, and whether this is for new or existing electricity equipment.  Where an easement is required, the obligation to grant an easement will form part of your contract with us to undertake the works. 

We have standard easement terms which grant us necessary rights to access your property to inspect, operate and maintain our equipment.  These must remain standard and unamended, for all properties throughout Auckland, so that our contractors and maintenance team can rely on them. 

To register an easement, following installation of equipment, either we or the customer will organise a survey plan (depending on our contract together) which shows the area that will be granted to Vector for our easement. A legal document called the ‘easement instrument’ is then prepared by our legal team and sent to your solicitor. The registration of the easement on your property title will be processed by us together with your lawyer. 

The Point of Supply (POS) is the point where Vector's electricity network connects to your property. It marks the boundary between the equipment owned and maintained by Vector and the equipment owned by the property owner. 

The location of the POS varies depending on the type of connection. For underground connections it's often at a service pit or pillar near the property boundary. If a suitable POS doesn't already exist, one may need to be installed as part of your connection.

For new connections, your electrician can install the service cable on your property and run it to the connection point on Vector's network equipment, such as a service pit, service pillar, link pillar, or transformer. However, the final connection to Vector's network must be completed by a Vector-approved contractor or livening inspector. 

Your electricity retailer will also need to arrange for your meter to be installed before the connection can be livened. For safety reasons, customers and their electricians must not access or work on Vector-owned network equipment.

Yes, Vector is the electricity network provider for much of Auckland, which means we own and maintain the local network that delivers electricity to your property. We don't sell electricity or send power bills directly to customers. Once your property is connected, you can choose or change your electricity retailer at any time. Your new retailer will usually arrange the switch on your behalf. If you need to update billing details, contact your electricity retailer directly. Changing retailers won't affect your connection to the network.