The Commerce Commission has received an application from Dunedin Electricity Limited for clearance under the Commerce Act to acquire the business and assets of Otago Power Limited, including the assets of its wholly owned subsidiary Otago Power Services Limited.

Dunedin Electricity is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dunedin City Holdings Ltd, the holding company for various trading enterprises of the Dunedin City Council. Dunedin Electricity owns the electricity distribution networks for the metropolitan Dunedin and the Central Otago areas. It's wholly owned subsidiary, DELTA Utility Services, provides lines maintenance and contracting services to Dunedin Electricity and others.

Otago Power owns an electricity distribution network which covers South Otago, coastal Otago (excluding metropolitan Dunedin), the Strath Taieri and the Maniototo areas.

In considering the application, the Commission's role is to determine whether the merger has the effect of substantially lessening competition in the market.

A public version of Dunedin Electricity's application is available on request from the Commerce Commission. Please contact Catherine Best, (04) 496-0953.

Media contact: Manager Market Structure Richard Braae Phone work (04) 498 4720

Senior Advisor Communications Jackie Maitland Phone work (04) 498 0920