Failure to Provide Integrated Information on Electricity Pricing

OMBUDSMAN CLAIM

 

Subject: CLAIM, Failure to Provide Integrated Information on Electricity Pricing (OIA Ref: DOIA-REQ-0029024)

 

Greetings,

This is a formal complaint under the Official Information Act 1982 regarding the response provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) dated 8 April 2026.

 

1. Nature of the Request

 

The original request sought clarification on:

• electricity pricing drivers

• wind generation impacts

• cumulative system effects

• Crown financial interests

 

This is a matter of significant public importance, directly affecting household cost-of-living.

 

2. Deficiency in the Response

 

MBIE has stated that:

• relevant information is held across multiple agencies

• MBIE does not hold additional integrated material

• key components of the request are more closely connected to other agencies

 

However:

 

(a) No Integrated Assessment Identified

 

MBIE has not identified any single, integrated national assessment addressing electricity pricing or system-wide impacts.

 

(b) Fragmentation of Responsibility

 

The response confirms that responsibility is distributed across agencies, without identifying:

• a coordinating authority

• or a consolidated analytical framework

 

(c) Public Interest Not Met

 

The request concerns:

 

electricity affordability and systemic pricing drivers

 

The absence of a consolidated response undermines the purpose of the Act, which is to enable effective public scrutiny.

 

3. Extension of Key Information

 

MBIE has extended the timeframe for:

• electricity price drivers

• pricing and hardship data

 

This further delays access to core information necessary for public understanding.

 

4. Grounds for Complaint

 

This complaint is made on the basis that:

• the response fails to provide a meaningful or complete answer

• no effort has been made to identify or construct a whole-of-government position

• the fragmentation of information effectively prevents transparency

 

5. Relief Sought

 

It is requested that the Ombudsman:

1. Investigate whether any agency holds an integrated national assessment

2. Determine whether MBIE should have:

• coordinated a consolidated response, or

• transferred the request more effectively

3. Require clarification of:

• which agency is accountable for electricity affordability outcomes

This matter raises systemic concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and public interest in essential services.

 

Tracy

InLandsAirWater Counsel