Counties Energy celebrates 50,000 ICP milestone, signalling continued network growth and future investment
Counties Energy has reached a significant milestone this week, celebrating 50,000 installation control points (ICPs) across its network. Each ICP represents a connection to the electricity network, and this achievement highlights the continued growth of the southern Auckland and northern Waikato regions.
This milestone reflects the increasing demand for electricity connections, driven by both residential and commercial development, signalling the strength of Counties Energy’s core lines business.
This year Counties Energy has invested $50 million directly into its network infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to reliability and future readiness. This investment was supported by sustained revenue growth from new customer connections. In addition to network upgrades, the company also invested in systems that support long-term resilience and smart grid capabilities.
Counties Energy Chief Executive Judy Nicholl says reaching the 50,000 ICP milestone reflects both the region’s growth and the company’s commitment to reinvesting in its community.
“Despite challenging economic conditions, Counties Energy has continued to grow steadily, adding around 1,000 new connections annually over the past three years. This consistent growth supports future revenue and capacity expansion, enabling us to invest in infrastructure and smart technologies that meet rising demand, enhance reliability, and deliver on customer expectations.”
“As a 100 percent community-owned organisation, our growth directly benefits our community. Last year, we returned more than $13 million to our customers through our annual discount mechanism, helping reduce electricity costs for households and businesses,” says Nicholl.
Key growth areas within the Counties Energy network include Drury, Karaka, Paerata and Pōkeno, where residential developments are supported by schools, retail centres, and other infrastructure. Drury South is undergoing a major transformation, emerging as one of Auckland’s most strategically important growth areas. It is set to accommodate up to 60,000 new residents over the next few decades, with 25,000 new homes planned, and large-scale commercial and industrial development already well underway.
The ICP growth also supports the adoption of smart grid technologies, which enhance grid management, improve efficiency, and enable better integration of renewable energy sources.
With nearly 100 percent of its network covered by smart meters, Counties Energy is well-positioned to lead innovative energy projects that leverage data to deliver better outcomes. One such initiative is underway in Karaka Harbourside near Papakura, where the company is trialling new technologies to provide customers with more energy choices and improved energy efficiency. The pilot has been endorsed by the Electricity Authority’s Power Innovation Pathway and is supported by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
