In outlining its work for the coming year, The Lines Company (TLC) says it is prioritising investment in its network electricity infrastructure and signalling continued community support.
Commitments from the community-owned company are summarised in its 2025 Statement of Corporate Intent (SCI) now available on the TLC website.
TLC has over 18,000 customers throughout the King Country, Ruapehu District and Central Plateau. Its network covers 13,700 square km with over 4,500km of power lines. It is wholly owned by Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) whose customers are those in the northern part of TLC’s network region.
“Local ownership is key to delivering what our customers need now and in the future,” said TLC chief executive Mike Fox.
TLC has committed $28.5 million into the local electricity network in this financial year.
“At its core, our network must be safe and reliable… We are committed to ensuring our network is well maintained for future generations, is resilient to the effects of climate change and can accommodate future growth,” Fox said.
TLC has also supported WESCT’s call for discounts and support of communities through sponsorships, scholarships, funding Maru Energy Trust, energy hardship initiatives and community grant funding.
“We remain committed to providing free energy education seminars, aimed at helping households use electricity more effectively. Our support of Maru enables the installation of insulation and heat pumps for eligible homeowners, providing warmer drier homes and reducing electricity bills.”
Over the past year the company partnered with iwi and councils on several initiatives, geared towards reducing energy hardship, said Fox.
In February, TLC also confirmed WESCT beneficiaries would see an increase in the annual electricity discount before GST from $5.2 million to $6.0 million.
“This SCI hits the mark in terms of balancing investment in our assets to ensure we keep customers connected, beneficiary discounts and community support across the entire TLC network area,” said Fox.
