Contact Energy (NZSE:CEN) has kicked off a NZ$225 million subordinated, unsecured climate or green bond offering, putting its capital structure and funding mix in focus for investors watching the stock. At around NZ$8.63, Contact Energy’s recent share price moves show a mixed picture, with a 7 day share price return of 2.13% contrasting with a 90 day share price return that declined 5.16%, while the 5 year total shareholder return of 35.53% points to steadier long term compounding as...

New Zealand power companies are drawing criticism as household electricity bills surge while firms post record profits. Contact Energy reported NZ$423 million in net profit and NZ$1.011 billion in operating earnings, while Mercury booked NZ$321 million profit. Average power prices rose 12% over one year, then increased another 8% in April. The timing has intensified calls for structural separation of "gentailers" — companies that combine generation and retail operations. Polling by Electric Kiwi and 2Degrees found roughly one in five respondents strongly favour splitting these businesses, with about a third somewhat supporting the move. Critics argue gentailers maintain unfair advantages over competitors whilst households face mounting costs. The Electricity Authority has introduced rules requiring generators to offer hedge contracts to all buyers equally, preventing preferential treatment for their retail divisions.