March 11, 2026

#regional: MainPower Seeks Community Voices for New Customer Advisory Panel

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 11, 2026

An electricity network company serving communities across North Canterbury is calling on residents to step forward and help shape the future of local power services.

MainPower New Zealand Limited has launched a recruitment drive for a new Customer Advisory Panel, designed to give consumers a stronger voice in how the electricity network is planned and managed.

The initiative aims to bring together people from across the company’s network area to provide feedback and guidance on issues affecting electricity customers. The panel will offer community insight into how the network operates, including where future investment should be prioritised and how services can better respond to the needs of households and businesses.

MainPower distributes electricity to more than 44,000 homes and businesses across the Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura districts. The company says the advisory panel will play an important role in ensuring decisions about the network reflect the perspectives of the communities it serves.

Members of the panel will be asked to share their views on a range of topics related to the electricity system, including network reliability, infrastructure investment, emerging technologies and the transition to cleaner energy systems.

The electricity sector is currently undergoing significant change as New Zealand moves toward electrification and a lower-carbon economy. Electricity distribution companies are facing growing demand on their networks as more homes, vehicles and businesses rely on electricity instead of fossil fuels.

MainPower says having a panel made up of people from different backgrounds and communities will help ensure its long-term planning takes into account the real experiences of consumers.

Advisory panels are becoming increasingly common across the electricity sector as companies seek to strengthen transparency and improve communication with customers. These panels provide a forum where consumer perspectives can influence strategic planning and investment decisions.

MainPower says it is particularly interested in hearing from people across different parts of the region and from a wide range of community backgrounds.

The panel is expected to meet periodically throughout the year, providing ongoing input into the company’s planning and community engagement efforts.

Applications are now open for people interested in participating in the new advisory group.