The issue has increasingly come under the spotlight as large storms hit the country leading to loss of power connections in many communities.
The loss of power was particularly bad last year when severe winds event occurred in the South, knocking out electricity to much of the region.
It was believed 95% of the loss of power was caused by trees falling on powerlines.
Electricity Networks Aotearoa chief executive Tracey Kai said trees were often the biggest cause of electricity outages during extreme weather events.
‘‘Lines companies are spending a huge amount of money each year on trimming trees. This cost is making our electricity more expensive, and we desperately need changes to tree regulations,’’ she said.
Last year, lines companies spent over $71 million on vegetation management, including pruning and felling trees that obstructed lines and infrastructure.
‘‘This is up from $67m in 2024 and $58m in 2023. This cost is making electricity more expensive for consumers.’’
Electricity Networks Aotearoa and lines companies had been calling for changes to tree regulations for well over a decade.
The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003, which were over 20 years old, were not working.
‘‘And still, we wait for outdated tree laws to change.’’
She said the news laws should allow lines companies to get better access to cut high-risk trees that could cut power to communities.
The cost of maintaining trees should be shared.
She also said there should be difference between public tree owners and forestry tree owners.
‘‘Forestry should have more of an onus to maintain trees that can pose a threat to everyone's power supply.
‘‘It's simple, really. We need a more common-sense approach. One that means fewer power outages and cheaper power bills.’’
Mr Brown said when asked about possible changes that protecting powerlines was key to ensuring having a resilient and reliable electricity supply.
‘‘Amendments to the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations, currently being developed, will ensure we can more effectively manage the risk of outages caused by trees falling on lines, give lines owners more control over risky trees, support landowners and restrict the planting of new trees on land that is not already forested,’’ he said.
Mr Brown was appointed as Energy Minister by Prime Minister Chris Luxon in a cabinet reshuffle earlier this month.
