The Lines Company
The Lines Company is a regulated New Zealand electricity distribution business serving ~18,000 customers across 13,700 sq km of the North Island (King Country, Ruapehu, Central Plateau), operating 4,500km of lines and 27 substations. It is wholly owned by the Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersOtorohanga, New Zealand
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What The Lines Company does
The Lines Company Limited (TLC) is a regulated electricity distribution utility incorporated in New Zealand in April 1999 following the government's electricity industry reforms, with roots in distribution services stretching back to 1926. TLC owns and operates the physical network infrastructure — 4,500km of overhead and underground power lines, 35,000 poles, 27 substations, 5,000+ transformers and 8 supply points — across 13,700 sq km of New Zealand's North Island (King Country, Ruapehu and Central Plateau), distributing approximately 369 GWh annually to ~18,000 customers across 24,000 connection points. The company is 100% owned by the Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) on behalf of its 10,000+ beneficiaries, who receive twice-yearly 'TLC Discount' credits on their electricity bills.
The core product is the regulated electricity distribution service billed to retailers (lines charges) under the Commerce Commission's Default Price Path regime; revenue flows through a capacity- and density-tiered pricing structure (LFC, STD, 15, 30, 70, 150 kVA × H/L density × U/C water-heater control), updated each 1 April. Adjacent revenue streams include one-off connection and capital-contribution fees ($500 to $10,400+ depending on extension type), distributed-generation application fees ($100 to $5,000), high-load permits, and a usage-based EV charging network operated through the OpenLoop platform ($0.70/kWh + $1/min for DC fast charging, free AC charging at one site). TLC also runs a load-management service that interrupts controlled appliances (typically hot water cylinders) during peak periods, and provides capacity-related discretionary services such as pricing calculators and outage-portal tools.
TLC has roughly 140 staff (around 80% local to the network) across its Te Kūiti headquarters, Te Kūiti depot, Taumarunui and Tūrangi depots, and the Ohakune depot reopened in June 2025. The company's strategic posture is shifting from a standalone wires business toward collaborative and community-energy models: it sold its metering subsidiary Influx Energy Data to Intellihub in July 2023, launched a Shared Platform and Services partnership with Counties Energy in February 2026, expanded utility-scale generation connections and a regional EV charging corridor, and continues to underwrite community energy resilience initiatives (e.g., Māniaroa Marae Solar, Ruapehu District Council community-housing solar, Ōtorohanga Kiwi House 'Power it Forward'). Head office and depot construction is underway in Te Kūiti, signalling a renewed capital-investment cycle.
The Lines Company firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Lines Company
- Legal name
- The Lines Company Limited
- Website
- https://thelinescompany.co.nz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- The Lines Company is a regulated New Zealand electricity distribution business serving ~18,000 customers across 13,700 sq km of the North Island (King Country, Ruapehu, Central Plateau), operating 4,500km of lines and 27 substations. It is wholly owned by the Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Lines Company industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electricity Distribution Services
- NAICS
- Electric Power Distribution (221122)
- SIC
- Electric Services (4911)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Electric Distribution System Owners (Wires-Only Companies) (EUADABAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Network Upgrades & Capacity Additions (Reconductoring, Rebalancing, Voltage Optimization) (EUAEACAN), Distribution Network Construction (Feeders, Laterals, Service Drops) (IMAFAHAC)
Keywords
Where The Lines Company is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Otorohanga
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices5 records
Markets served
The Lines Company business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Electricity Lines Charges (Distribution Revenue): TLC bills electricity retailers for the use of its distribution network. Retailers act as agents and incorporate TLC's lines charges into customers' electricity bills. Revenue is regulated by the Commerce Commission under a Default Price Path regime. Revenue is based on connection capacity tiers (LFC, STD, 15, 30, 70, 150 kVA) and density categories (H/L), with daily fixed charges and variable charges per kWh.
- EV Charging: TLC operates DC fast chargers and AC chargers across its network area. DC fast chargers are priced at $0.70/kWh + $1/min through the OpenLoop platform. One AC charger location (8 King Street, Te Kūiti) is offered free of charge.
- Distributed Generation Application Fees: TLC charges application fees for processing distributed generation (solar, wind, hydro) connection requests. Small systems (≤10kW) pay $100-$200 + GST; large systems (11kW-100kW) pay $500; 100kW-1MW pay $1,000; >1MW pay $5,000. These are one-time fees.
- Connection and Capital Contribution Fees: New connection applications, network extensions, and load alterations generate capital contribution revenue. Standard network ready connections cost $500; overhead network extensions cost $5,400; underground extensions cost $10,400; load increases with network upgrades are quoted individually. Non-standard connections require 50% upfront payment.
- High Load Permit and Work Request Fees: Applicants for high load permits (loads over 4.25m height) are responsible for costs associated with route review and field staff attendance on the day of the journey. Work requests for TLC network services are billed to applicants.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Network Ready Connection — Standard connection where TLC infrastructure is at property boundary |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Regular Network Extension – Overhead |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Regular Network Extension – Underground |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Load Decrease — No network impact |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Load Increase within existing network capacity |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Load Increase requiring overhead line extension |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Load Increase requiring underground line extension |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Load Increase requiring network upgrade (transformer) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Distributed Generation ≤10kW with approved inverter |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Distributed Generation ≤10kW without approved inverter |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Distributed Generation 11kW to 100kW |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Distributed Generation 100kW to 1MW |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Distributed Generation >1MW |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | DC Fast Chargers |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | AC Chargers at 8 King Street, Te Kūiti |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Lines Company product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Lines Company owns, operates, and maintains the electricity distribution network across the King Country, Ruapehu, and Central Plateau regions of New Zealand's North Island, spanning 13,700 sq km with 4,500 km of power lines, 27 substations, and 5,000+ transformers. It bills electricity retailers for use of its distribution network (lines charges) and provides connection services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers, distributed generation connections (solar, wind, hydro), and operates its own regional EV charging network.
Product overview
The Lines Company operates a single unified electricity distribution network service, providing the infrastructure (poles, powerlines, transformers, substations) to deliver electricity from the national grid to homes and businesses. The service portfolio includes connection services for different customer types (new builds, subdivisions, commercial, industrial/large-scale), distributed generation connections (residential solar and large utility-scale), an EV charging network with DC fast chargers and AC chargers, load management services, and an online pricing calculator. The company is 100% owned by Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) and operates under regulatory oversight from the Commerce Commission.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Electricity Distribution Network Services
Quantifiable outcome
- ~369 GWh of power supplied per year, equivalent to 46,000 average NZ households
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use The Lines Company
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Lines Company technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature3 records
The Lines Company partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Counties EnergycoreThe Lines Company and Counties Energy launched a Shared Platform and Services partnership in February 2026. The partnership is designed to deliver shared platforms and services between the two electricity distribution companies. The partnership has already delivered its first major milestone as announced in July 2026.
- IntellihubcoreIntellihub is the Metering Equipment Provider (MEP) for the TLC network area. As of 1 September 2025, TLC no longer installs, replaces, or repairs electricity meters. Metering work is now handled by retailers through Intellihub. In July 2023, TLC sold its subsidiary Influx Energy Data to Intellihub, which included the metering and data business.
- Te NehenehenuicoreJoint initiative between Maniapoto Māori Trust Board (now Te Nehenehenui) and TLC to deploy renewable energy solutions on marae. The Māniaroa Marae Solar Project is an award-winning initiative. Resilience testing of the community energy solutions was conducted in partnership with Te Nehenehenui.
- Maru Energy TrustcoreTLC collaborates with Maru Energy Trust on multiple community energy initiatives including winter pyjama appeals, winter wellness packs, and the Power it Forward programme supporting households in need. Maru Energy Trust also receives contributions from TLC. Mike Fox, TLC's CEO, is a trustee of Maru Energy Trust.
- Ruapehu District Council (RDC)minorRDC and TLC worked together to deliver a sustainable community housing solar project in Taumarunui in September 2025, installing solar panels on community housing.
- Hakaraia ElectricalminorOne of three licensed contractors operating in the TLC network area that carry out metering work for Intellihub. Contact: 0273 632 568.
- Power 2 U Contracting LimitedminorOne of three licensed contractors operating in the TLC network area that carry out metering work for Intellihub. Contact: 0274 486 353.
- Caskey ElectricalminorOne of three licensed contractors operating in the TLC network area that carry out metering work for Intellihub. Contact: 0274 227 539.
- Ōtorohanga Kiwi HouseminorTLC partnered with Ōtorohanga Kiwi House on the Power it Forward: Kiwi House initiative, a community-backed solar project to support a solar-powered future for the facility.
- Tūwharetoa Health Charitable Trust (THCT)minorJoint solar project with THCT and Maru Energy Trust to install solar panels providing power for Tūrangi homes, supporting community resilience.
- OpenLoopcoreAll TLC DC fast chargers and AC chargers operate through the OpenLoop platform and app, enabling EV drivers to locate and pay for charging across the TLC network area.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Lines Company competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Waipa Networks: Waikato/King Country-area NZ EDB operating adjacent to TLC's footprint. Highly comparable mid-sized distribution utility with similar regulatory exposure and customer mix.
- WEL Networks: Waikato-based electricity distribution utility; TLC Chair Bella Takiari-Brame is former GM Finance at WEL, and Director Mike Underhill is a former WEL CEO. Closely comparable community-servicing NZ EDB with similar mix of regulated distribution and customer-side services.
- Powerco: One of New Zealand's largest electricity distributors (gas and electricity), serving Taranaki, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Manawatu. Comparable as a regulated NZ EDB operating under Commerce Commission oversight with similar network reliability, EV and DER rollout pressures.
- Northpower: Northland-based NZ EDB and fibre operator; comparable community-anchored distribution utility with a mix of regulated network and adjacent contracting services (Northpower Contracting). Useful comparable for non-regulated diversification strategies.
- Aurora Energy: Otago-based NZ EDB; comparable mid-sized distribution utility in a remote, weather-exposed region with similar quality, capex, and reliability challenges. Useful comparable for capital efficiency in a small-scale distributor.
- Unison Networks: NZ EDB serving Hawke's Bay, Taupo and Rotorua; operates a similar mid-sized regulated distribution network with comparable mix of residential, commercial, industrial, and distributed generation customers.
- Counties Energy: NZ electricity distribution business serving the Counties region south of Auckland; TLC's chosen partner in the Shared Platform and Services partnership. Most directly comparable peer in scale and NZ EDB regulatory framework.
- Electricity Invercargill (Invercargill City Holdings): Southland-based NZ EDB; small-scale, municipally/community-owned distribution utility operating under the same Commerce Commission regime. Strongest comparable for community-ownership structure and scale.
Broad incumbents
- Orion New Zealand: Christchurch-based NZ EDB (Canterbury region); larger than TLC but operates the same DPP-style regulatory framework with comparable network reliability, DER integration, and community engagement programs.
- Vector Limited: Largest NZ electricity distributor (Auckland) and broader multi-utility. Operates in the same regulated EDB framework with overlapping capability in EV charging (Vector Lightspeed), smart metering, and DER integration, but at materially greater scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Lines Company social profiles
Digital presenceThe Lines Company financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Lines Company leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
The Lines Company subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
The Lines Company funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Lines Company M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Lines Company
What does The Lines Company do?
The Lines Company owns, operates, and maintains the electricity distribution network across the King Country, Ruapehu, and Central Plateau regions of New Zealand's North Island, spanning 13,700 sq km with 4,500 km of power lines, 27 substations, and 5,000+ transformers. It bills electricity retailers for use of its distribution network (lines charges) and provides connection services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers, distributed generation connections (solar, wind, hydro), and operates its own regional EV charging network.
Is The Lines Company a public or private company?
The Lines Company is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Lines Company founded?
The Lines Company was founded in 1999. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is The Lines Company based?
The Lines Company is headquartered in Otorohanga, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does The Lines Company make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Electricity Lines Charges (Distribution Revenue) is the primary driver. The others are EV Charging, distributed Generation Application Fees, connection and Capital Contribution Fees and high Load Permit and Work Request Fees.
Who are The Lines Company's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Waipa Networks, WEL Networks, Powerco, Northpower, Aurora Energy, Unison Networks, Counties Energy and Electricity Invercargill (Invercargill City Holdings). Broad incumbents are Orion New Zealand and Vector Limited.
Does The Lines Company have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Lines Company.
What industry is The Lines Company in?
The Lines Company's product category is Electricity Distribution Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUADABAI, Electric Distribution System Owners (Wires-Only Companies), with a secondary code of EUAEACAN, Network Upgrades & Capacity Additions (Reconductoring, Rebalancing, Voltage Optimization). Its NAICS code is 221122 and its SIC code is 4911.