The EEA represents its members and acts as the voice of the industry, developing industry guides and providing submissions to government, regulators and industry groups to protect and enhance industry interests.
Developing and reviewing Industry Guides
The EEA facilitates the development and maintenance of guidelines and best practice documents that support and build on the knowledge and understanding of engineering, technical, and safety standards. We invite member input into this process.
Visit the EEA Guides page for guides currently under development or review
Public Submissions and Consultations
Battery Energy Storage Systems Operational Safety Guide
This Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Operational Safety Guideline provides practical safety guidance for electrical workers operating, maintaining, and working around BESS installations. It outlines key hazards associated with BESS, including electrical, fire, and chemical risks, and sets out recommended controls, safe work practices, emergency preparedness, and maintenance requirements across a range of applications.
The Guide is intended to support consistent, safe management of BESS throughout its operational lifecycle within the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI).
- Consultation document: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Operational Safety Guide – April 2026
- Feedback form (Excel): EEA Guide Consultation Comment Form – BESS
Best Practices for the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Around Critical Infrastructure Guide
This Best Practices for the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Around Critical Infrastructure Guide provides guidance to support organisations in establishing and managing drone programmes within the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI). It covers key considerations such as equipment selection, operational requirements, training, maintenance, and data management to support safe, effective, and consistent use of drones.
The Guide outlines best practice approaches for undertaking drone operations around critical infrastructure, supporting organisations to make informed decisions, manage risk, and maintain compliance while leveraging the benefits of unmanned aircraft technologies.
- Consultation document: Best Practices for the Unmanned Aircraft Around Critical Infrastructure Guide – April 2026
- Feedback form (Excel): EEA Guide Consultation Comment Form – Best Practices_Unmanned Aircraft
Safe use of Drones in and around Electricity Assets Guide
This Safe Use of Drones in and around Electricity Assets Guide provides practical operational guidance for the safe use of unmanned aircraft (drones) within the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI). It outlines key risks associated with operating near electrical infrastructure, along with regulatory requirements, operator competency expectations, and safe operating practices.
The Guide supports organisations to plan and undertake drone operations safely, including pre-flight planning, permissions, safe distances, emergency procedures, and post-flight requirements, enabling consistent and effective use of drones across a range of operational scenarios.
- Consultation document: Safe use of Drones in and around Electricity Assets Guide – April 2026
- Feedback form (Excel): EEA Guide Consultation Comment Form – Drones
Submissions made by the EEA in 2026
- Electricity Authority; Non-discrimination obligations – Retail Price Consistency Assessment (RPCA) uncommitted capacity and other matters
- Electricity Authority; Reducing Barriers for New Connections – Up-Front Charges and Distributor Obligations January 2026
- NZ Parliament – Transport and Infrastructure Committee; Public Works Amendment Bill January 2026