Rising energy costs and the scale of investment required for the transition to net zero are placing increasing pressure on consumers and the economy. This report examines how concessional finance, particularly through programs like Rewiring the Nation, can reduce the cost of new energy infrastructure. It explores financing mechanisms, regulatory considerations and policy settings needed to ensure benefits are passed through to consumers via lower electricity costs.

This report compares electricity retail markets across New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain, examining how market structures, pricing, competition and regulation impact household consumers. It investigates key drivers of retail outcomes, including price trends, customer behaviour and policy interventions, and explores how different approaches influence market performance and consumer experience.

This report reviews how profitability is measured for regulated electricity and gas network businesses in Australia, examining the methods, data and benchmarks used by regulators and stakeholders. It explores different approaches to assessing financial performance and proposes a framework for more transparent, consistent evaluation of network profitability over time.