Electricity connections

Thanks for making time to apply for a new connection. Connecting to the MainPower network enables you to purchase electricity from retailers in North Canterbury.

Our connectivity forms require a good understanding of the network around you as well as electricity terminology.

We recommend having an electrician fill out the forms.

Applications have a higher success rate and fastest processing times when they are completed by someone with technical understanding.

Get connected options

There are several application options to choose from depending on what you want to do.

Do you need a builders temporary connection?

For example, you are a builder or tradesperson and need a temporary power supply.

Are you looking for a new residential connection?

For example, the land is subdivided and already has power to the boundary but not to the property, or you wish to move from a temporary connection to a permanent connection.

Are you looking for a new non-residential connection?

For example, the farm/commercial site of liefestyle property already has power to the boundary but not to the property or you wish to move from a temporary connection to a permanent connection.

Are you looking for a new supply of power?

For example, you’re starting a subdivision but there is no power to the boundary yet.

Are you looking to change an existing power supply?

For example, underground conversions, increasing capacity, sub-main works or maintenance.

Are you looking for a solar/distributed generation connection?

For example, your property’s power will be generated by wind, solar, thermal or hydro power.

We’re here to help. Get in touch if you need help. Or, check out our FAQs.

Looking for help to find the correct application form?

See our diagram below to help guide you towards the correct form for your situation.

We’re here to help

If you need some assistance or advice, please get in touch with our team.

Important notifications

Hot water load testing under way ahead of winter

Until mid‑April, we’re working closely with retailers to carry out hot water load testing as we prepare our network for the coming winter season.

These tests run for a couple of hours each day, Monday to Friday, with no testing taking place over weekends. Because each test window is relatively short, customers are unlikely to notice any changes to their hot water supply.

The purpose of this work is to help us better understand how much controllable load is available during the summer months. Gaining accurate insights now means we can model customer savings more effectively by reducing system load at peak times. It also helps us assess whether this load flexibility could assist Transpower in deferring an upcoming local transmission upgrade.

This testing is an important part of ensuring a resilient, efficient network that supports our community.

MainPower Trust elections

Voting is open for the 2026 MainPower Trust election.

Voting packs have been emailed or posted by Electionz.com to everyone who pays a power bill on the MainPower network. You need to have the unique ID provided to cast your vote.

If you haven’t received a voting pack, or can’t find it, you can get a replacement by contacting iro@electionz.com.  For full details of the candidates, visit mainpowertrust.co.nz/trustee-elections/

Make the most of this opportunity to have your say on the future of MainPower – and your community.

Voting closes midday Friday 6 March 2026. 

Privacy Policy

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

Outage notifications

Hot water load testing under way ahead of winter

Until mid‑April, we’re working closely with retailers to carry out hot water load testing as we prepare our network for the coming winter season.

These tests run for a couple of hours each day, Monday to Friday, with no testing taking place over weekends. Because each test window is relatively short, customers are unlikely to notice any changes to their hot water supply.

The purpose of this work is to help us better understand how much controllable load is available during the summer months. Gaining accurate insights now means we can model customer savings more effectively by reducing system load at peak times. It also helps us assess whether this load flexibility could assist Transpower in deferring an upcoming local transmission upgrade.

This testing is an important part of ensuring a resilient, efficient network that supports our community.

MainPower Trust elections

Voting is open for the 2026 MainPower Trust election.

Voting packs have been emailed or posted by Electionz.com to everyone who pays a power bill on the MainPower network. You need to have the unique ID provided to cast your vote.

If you haven’t received a voting pack, or can’t find it, you can get a replacement by contacting iro@electionz.com.  For full details of the candidates, visit mainpowertrust.co.nz/trustee-elections/

Make the most of this opportunity to have your say on the future of MainPower – and your community.

Voting closes midday Friday 6 March 2026. 

Privacy Policy

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

Quick links