Basis Metering: Start Here

Version 1.0 · Last updated 2 September 2026

Use this article when

You plan a Basis meter installation and you must find the correct steps.

Do this first, on every job

Send the ICP (Installation Control Point) number to Basis before your customer requests the meter. This applies to every retailer and every scenario.

Email the ICP number to metering@wearebasis.com.
If you do not have the ICP number, call us on 0800 995 085.

We check the property when we receive the ICP number. We find problems while they are still easy to correct. A meter request that reaches the retailer first is much harder to change.

Find your scenario

Answer two questions about the property.

Is there an existing meter at the property?
If there is no meter, is a builder's temporary supply (BTS) on site?

Then open the article for your answer:

New build or project, no BTS organised or on site. This is the smoothest, preferred path. Read "New build: no builder's temporary supply yet".
New build or project, BTS already organised or on site. Read "New build: builder's temporary supply already on site".
Existing home, not a Basis meter. Read "Existing home: replace the meter".
Existing home, Basis meter already installed. Read "Existing home: change retailer".

The two roles

Two people are needed, and they do different work.

A Basis-certified Electrician installs the Basis Board.
A Basis-approved livening agent (inspector) installs the Basis meter into the Board. The agent inspects the high-risk works, configures and certifies the meter, and livens the installation.

A livening agent must be approved on the lines network for that property. Book the agent early. Basis and the retailer both need the agent specified.

Which retailers support a Basis meter

Your customer must be with a supported retailer when they request the meter. This currently differs for new connections and meter replacements.

For new connections we recommend Contact Energy. It is the smoothest path today. Mercury, Pulse and Octopus also support new connections, but please contact us first.

Some retailers have conditions. Read the article for your scenario and email us, before you organise the job or send a request to a retailer.

After a new connection or meter change, your customer can move to any retailer that supports Basis metering.

Tariffs

Basis meters support time of use (TOU), UN24 and solar export tariffs.

Mercury connections are on UN24 today. We expect TOU support on Mercury later in 2026.

Some homes use a controlled load or an inclusive load setup. A move to Basis requires a move to a supported tariff pathway. Your customer must understand this before the installation.

Do not guess the tariff setup. Send the ICP number to Basis and we will confirm.

Lines networks

Basis metering is supported on the majority of New Zealand lines networks. Check the list below for the property's network.

If you work on an unconfirmed or unsupported network, call us before you quote the job. We may be able to provide a solution.

On the Orion network, Basis meters can be installed. Load control (ripple) is supported in most areas of that network.

If your job is different

Call 0800 995 085 or email metering@wearebasis.com. We would rather answer a question before the job than solve a problem after it.