Electricity Updates

Published on 05 December 2025

Electricity Tariffs

In January the Norfolk Island Regional Council (Council) adopted Resolution No. 2025/04 directing management to seek independent advice regarding electricity tariff structures and rebate levels.

To implement that resolution, on 8 April 2025, Council appointed the consulting firm Qubist to undertake an independent review of Council's dynamic electricity tariff scheme and the current feed-in tariffs.

Qubist, on 30 July 2025, provided a report to Council containing several recommendations, most significantly a recommendation to change from the current dynamic tariff structure to a time-of-use tariff structure.

Council adopted Resolution No. 2025/115 directing management to commission a specialist communications and engagement agency to develop engagement material and activities on the findings of the Qubist Electricity Tariff Review, with specific emphasis on the review’s recommendation to change the current dynamic tariff structure to a time-of-use tariff structure.

On 10 September 2025, Council appointed The Comms Team to undertake independent community consultation on the matter.

The Comms Team developed an engagement plan which was executed during the month of October via online surveys, information sessions, face to face meetings, phone calls and emails. The final engagement rate was approximately 10% of the Island's population.

The engagement process was completed on 31 October 2025, and a report has been prepared by The Comms Team, which revealed a split consensus on the proposed change to a time-of-use tariff.

Electricity customers that made solar and battery investments supported retaining the dynamic tariff while load-only customers without access to home renewable infrastructure preferred the time-of-use tariff. A majority of responses from legacy solar-only customers supported a time-of-use tariff.

Given that the there is no overwhelming consensus from the community in the support of one tariff structure over the other, Council has referred the tariff review to the Electricity Special Purpose Committee for feedback. The Committee is comprised of local community members and staff of the Council, and will provide formal advice to management after their review.

Second Battery Business Case

At the August 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council directed management to develop a business case for a second Tesla battery at the Powerhouse to assist with renewables storage on the Island.

Proposals were sought from three qualified firms to undertake the development of this business case. Management identified the preferred supplier based on multi-dimensional scoring and have notified the supplier of the award.

Management will be providing project management and oversight of the consultant selected to undertake the business case. During the development of the business case, the consultant will consult with resident stakeholders on the Electricity Special Purpose Committee.

The business case is expected to be finalised early in the new year.