The Commerce Commission has begun assessing Orion’s customised price-quality path (CPP) proposal to spend more on Canterbury’s electricity network. Orion is seeking approval for approximately $932 million in capital expenditure and $578 million in operating expenditure, totalling $1.51 billion. The review of Orion’s proposed expenditure is further supported by an independent expert’s (verifier’s) assessment, as required under the CPP process. BackgroundThe Commerce Commission regulates New Zealand’s electricity lines businesses under Part 4 of the Commerce Act. The Commission does not regulate Orion’s owners, set electricity prices, or get involved in the day-to-day management of the company.