Overview of Top Energy's business
Top Energy Limited (Top Energy) is an electricity distribution company which operates the local electricity distribution network in the Far North region. The area reticulated is approximately 6800 square kilometres. The southern geographic boundary is approximately 20 km north of Whangarei, at Hukerenui, and generally equates to the Far North District Council territorial authority. A total of 32,000 consumers are supplied by 4,016 km of lines. Top Energy also has geothermal generation at Ngawha Springs.

Brief outline of the Network Support Services required by Top Energy
The provision of network support services is required in relation to providing backup network support solutions in relation to:
1. a single 110kV transmission line which runs between Kaikohe and Kaitaia.
2. A single 33kV distribution line which runs between Kaikohe and Omanaia.
3. A single 33kV distribution line which runs between Kaitaia and Taipa.
4. A single 33kV distribution line which runs between Kaitaia and Pukenui

What is needed
Backup network support is required to support the supply of electricity to consumers currently being supplied by means of either a single 110kV transmission line or various single 33kV distribution lines. The backup network support services will provide energy solutions to ensure continuity of electricity supply in the event of planned and unplanned outages in specified locations across the Top Energy network. Currently such support is provided by diesel generators.

Top Energy has no preference as to the method or technology by which these network support solutions will be provided.

Top Energy is neutral as to whether the provider of network support services chooses to sell energy in another market in addition to providing network support to Top Energy as set out in this ROI. Registrants should note however that such sales must not result in, or give rise to the risk of, failure to provide network support to Top Energy when required, as specified in this Registration of Interest (ROI).