Aurora Energy has announced electricity price increases following new revenue limits for the lines company.

Household electricity bills in the regions serviced by Aurora will increase by an average of around $15 per month (ex GST) from April 2026, followed by average increases of around three dollars per month (ex GST) each year after. 

The Commerce Commission has set new revenue limits for the company, which is responsible for supplying power to more than 200,000 people in Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, and Dunedin.

The decision allows Aurora to continue upgrading its ageing network assets and meet growing electricity demand across Otago and Queenstown Lakes, it said.

Aurora’s current revenue limits expire in March next year, and the Commission is required to set new limits to apply until 2030.  

Commissioner Vhari McWha says the decision will allow Aurora Energy to recover up to $680.8M over four years. 

“It’s in the long-term interests of consumers for Aurora Energy to continue to upgrade its network,” she said. 

“We are conscious of the impact on electricity bills across Otago and want to ensure Aurora Energy’s spending remains reasonable and limited to what is necessary.”

Vhari said Aurora has “smoothed the recovery of revenue” across the four-year period to help reduce the initial price rise.

The commission’s decision reflects rising underlying costs and the need for continued investment to ensure Aurora delivers a safe, reliable network while meeting growing demand, Aurora Energy said.