Canterbury electricity lines forced to reimburse $ 16.9 million for overload

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The Commerce Commission forced a South Canterbury electricity line company to pay $ 16.9 million to consumers for overload.

The regulator warned Timaru -based alpine energy on an accounting error that saw him provide incorrect information to the commission.

The commission allowed Alpine to charge customer customer prices based on incorrect information between 2015 and 2024.

Commissioner Vhari McWha said the errors were not intentional, but they were serious and preventable.

“We are aware that given electricity an essential service, consumers may have suffered unnecessary difficulties as a result of this error,” said McWha.

She said Alpine has reduced her prices and gave credits to customers, put money aside to former clients and set funds to improve access to electricity in the community.

“This is why, in addition to paying customers the amount they are due, we guarantee a commitment from Alpine to spend at least $ 1.5 million to support access to electricity in the local Canterbury community.”

Alpine also received a formal warning.

The commission said Alpine adjusted its prices from June 2024 and refunds would be delivered crediting current customer accounts.

There would also be a program to make payments to former clients, which could show that they were eligible for a refund.

Alpine Energy said customers will have a unique credit in May or June this year.

The value depended on the type and size of the client, with families receiving an average of $ 261.69, the equivalent of an energy bill of about one month.

The line company first advised customers about the error last year, issuing an apology.

“The council recognizes the concern and uncertainty that this error has caused to customers,” said President Melissa Clark-Reynolds.

“We accept the commission’s decision today.”

Alpine said that, in addition to credit to nearly 31,000 homes and small businesses, customers in three -phase connections would receive credits of $ 992.83, while credits for larger commercial and industrial customers would vary.

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