The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) was tasked by Cabinet to create a definition of energy wellbeing, energy hardship, and an accompanying framework, with indicators and measures of energy hardship. The definition of energy wellbeing, energy hardship, and an accompanying framework was published on MBIE’s website in June 2022. Additionally, MBIE published a summary of submissions received from stakeholders which contains key themes raised by submitters.

The measures are intended to measure the levels of energy hardship across Aotearoa and help target policy intervention and programs. With these measures, the Ministry will also be able to track levels of energy hardship over time to measure the effectiveness of such policies and programmes.

The MBIE consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, including community groups and other governmental agencies. This report outlines the feedback that was received and the recommendations. Additionally, it sets out next steps for the energy hardship measures and improvements for future releases.