The Commerce Commission has formed a preliminary view to not accept offers of undertaking from Vector and Powerco in relation to the supply of their controlled natural gas distribution services.

The Commerce Act provides that the Commission may accept an undertaking from a supplier of controlled services, instead of making an authorisation.

The Commission received an offer of undertaking from Vector on 21 April 2008 and Powerco on 23 April 2008 in respect of their controlled natural gas distribution services.

Having considered the offers, the Commission's preliminary view is that Vector's and Powerco's offers should not be accepted.

The Commission is seeking submissions on its preliminary view. Submissions should be received by the Commission no later than 5 pm on Thursday 18 September 2008.

The Commission expects a decision for the authorisation to be made by October 2008.

Further details are available on the Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under Vector/Powerco Authorisation Undertakings