New Zealand and Singapore brace for steep household electricity price hikes

In New Zealand, the Electricity Retailers' and Generators' Association says most households saw an average 8% rise in power bills this winter, adding to an 8% increase last year. Network charges, which account for 40‑45% of the rise, and tight wholesale supply are cited as key drivers. Industry leaders say profits are being funneled into new generation capacity to stabilise prices over time.

In Singapore, the Energy Market Authority warned that the regulated electricity tariff, now 29.72 cents/kWh (incl. GST), is likely to jump sharply in the third quarter as global fuel prices surge following the Iran conflict. Analysts forecast a 20‑25% increase, which could add about S$30 to the monthly bill of a typical four‑room HDB flat. The rise has sparked public concern over household affordability, even as government rebates are expected to offset part of the impact.