New Zealand's 24 electric lines companies have been told they will be allowed to raise prices by no more than the cost of inflation next year.
The Commerce Commission has long regulated these companies as natural monopolies and says next year their prices will be able to rise only as fast as the Consumer Price Index.
In previous years, the lines companies have had to reduce prices.
Since lines charges make up less than a third of an average bill, the ruling will have little impact on monthly invoices.
However, it will help lines companies finalise plans for $7.4 billion worth of expansion and essential maintenance, since banks need to know how much lines companies will earn before lending them money for development.
