The Lines Company new pricing given green light

‘‘Charges are based on the amount of energy used and time of day.’’

A change to time-of-use pricing for customers of The Lines Company has been given the green light by the TLC Board at its October meeting.

The decision follows a comprehensive review of TLC’s current service-based pricing.

Chief executive, Sean Horgan said the board’s goal has been to give customers a simple, fair and transparent pricing system that met the published Terms of Reference.

‘‘We’re committed to providing that through time-of-use as the approach that meets those objectives.’’

Under a TOU pricing system charges are based on the amount of energy used and time of day and it is used by other networks in New Zealand with prices falling into three customary periods - peak, shoulder and off-peak.

The different prices for the three periods provides customers with the opportunity to manage their costs while supporting the efficient use of network assets.

Horgan said the decision allows TLC to move forward with the next stage of the pricing project.

This includes preparing customer information, educational material, staff training and continuing to test internal systems to support the change to ensure a successful outcome.

The TLC Board will make a final decision about when the TOU will be implemented next year at a board meeting in December.