There should be no fireworks, despite it being Guy Fawkes next Wednesday, as lines companies have already vented their frustrations at the possible price control they face. They are also now worried about Energy Minister Pete Hodgson's plans for small renewable electricity generators to get free connections to their networks.

The two largest lines companies, Auckland-based Vector and New Plymouth-headquartered Powerco, say they have some reservations about the commission's proposals; while national grid owner Transpower essentially agrees with the draft price path threshold regime.

Powerco's submission says it conditionally accepts the broad intent of the commission's summary, although some aspects of the draft appear to be inconsistent. It remains concerned that the proposed thresholds effectively amount to universal control.

Powerco also says the consultation process is proceeding too quickly and suggests a compromise solution to allow the new thresholds regime to be finalised, while allowing further work to be done.

Vector generally supports the commission's approach to set the price path threshold, but disagrees with the measure of profitability and says it does not differentiate between profits derived from superior performance and those from any over-pricing.

Transpower says it supports the commission's approach to resetting the price path threshold for Transpower next July for a further one-year, pending the full operation of the Electricity Commission and the electricity governance regulations and rules.

The commission's threshold regime proposes different levels to apply to different groups of electricity lines businesses; with poorly performing companies facing higher required price reductions, while better performing businesses would face lower price reductions though required to make efficiency improvements.

The commission's four-day conference starts Monday.