About electricity

What is electricity?

We use electricity so often in our every day lives, we tend to take it for granted. Here’s a straightforward explanation of what electricity is and how it works.

The history of electricity

Who discovered electricity? Who discovered how to create an electric current? And who came up with the idea of distributing electricity to customers from a central source? Learn about the history of electricity here.

Generation

Contact generates electricity using hydro, geothermal and thermal energy. We explain how these different sources of energy are harnessed to create electricity.

Distribution

Electricity moves at nearly the speed of light, so it makes a very quick trip from the power station to your home or business.

New Zealand electricity industry

A brief look at the history and structure of the New Zealand electricity industry.