Contact Energy Limited, commonly known as Contact Energy, is a leading energy provider based in New Zealand. Headquartered in Wellington, the company operates extensively across the North Island, delivering reliable electricity and natural gas services to residential and commercial customers. Founded in 1996, Contact Energy has achieved significant milestones, including the development of renewable energy projects that underscore its commitment to sustainability. The company’s core offerings include electricity generation, retail services, and natural gas supply, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy sources such as geothermal and hydroelectric power. This focus on sustainability sets Contact Energy apart in the competitive energy market. Recognised for its innovative approach, Contact Energy has established itself as a key player in New Zealand's energy landscape, consistently striving to meet the evolving needs of its customers while contributing to a greener future.
How does Contact Energy's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Electricity from Other Sources industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Contact Energy's score of 56 is higher than 76% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2023, Contact Energy reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 802,252,000 kg CO2e. This figure includes 526,621,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 emissions, which encompass direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, and 1,957,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 emissions, related to purchased electricity. Additionally, Scope 3 emissions totalled about 273,673,000 kg CO2e, covering indirect emissions from the value chain, including capital goods and the use of sold products. Contact Energy has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for a 45% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2026, using 2018 as the baseline year. This target also extends to a 45% reduction in Scope 1 and 3 emissions from all sold electricity and a 34% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from the use of sold products, all by 2026. These targets are aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are classified as consistent with the reductions required to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2050, with interim targets set for 2026. This commitment reflects Contact Energy's proactive approach to addressing climate change and reducing its carbon footprint in New Zealand's energy sector.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2012 | 2017 | 2018 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 460 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | - | - | 000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | - | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
Contact Energy's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 31% last year and decreased by approximately 14% since 2018, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. A significant portion of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 34% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Use of Sold Products" being the largest emissions source at 64% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Contact Energy has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

Common questions about Contact Energy's sustainability data and climate commitments