Contact Energy Ltd

As part of our regulatory function, we review and monitor the climate policy positions of our trade associations for consistency with the Paris Agreement goals and ensure that our direct lobbying is similarly consistent. In the event of any major misalignment on climate-related policy issues Contact would make an open submission to the association in question setting out its own position and commitments. If the two policy positions could not be reconciled, Contact would consider whether continued membership of the association was incompatible with its own position and may withdraw from the association. [...] Contact's engagements are managed by the Head of Regulatory and Government Relations who is responsible for ensuring that engagements align with the key principles in part 3 of our Stakeholder Engagement Policy, our Tikanga, and our strategy to lead New Zealand's decarbonisation. This includes ensuring that all lobbying activity is consistent with the Paris Agreement, and Contact Energy's own commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2035. [...] The Chief Corporate Affairs Officer (CCO, a member of our executive) provides governance oversight of public policy engagements. The CCO monitors these activities via a stakeholder engagement register, direct feedback from the relevant individuals and organisations, and by attending key meetings. The CCO also has responsibility for determining what trade associations Contact Energy is a member of, and ensures that those trade associations are aligned with our stakeholder engagement principles, our Tikanga, and our public commitments, such as our target to reach net zero by 2035.

# Climate policy positions of trade associations

Contact is a member of the following three associations, which all support emissions targets in line with Paris Agreement goals, including the commitment to net zero. Contact's strategy is aligned with all three associations.

As part of our regulatory function we review and monitor the climate policy positions of our trade associations for consistency with the Paris Agreement goals, and ensure that our direct lobbying is similarly consistent.

In the event of any major misalignment on climate-related policy issues Contact would make an open submission to the association in question setting out its own position and commitments. If the two policy positions could not be reconciled, Contact would consider whether continued membership of the association was incompatible with its own position and may withdraw from the association.

Contact requires all employees and directors to comply with this policy. Compliance with this policy will be periodically monitored by Corporate Affairs. [...] Any known or suspected instances of non-compliance should be discussed with your manager, your Leadership Team member, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer or the General Counsel. Alternatively, any employee who is aware of a breach of this policy can take action in accordance with Contact's Protected Disclosures (Whistleblowing) Policy.

Enterprise climate change risks will be reported to and discussed with the Audit and Risk Committee as part of our standard governance reporting process. [...] All of Contact's climate related risks are recorded in the central risk management database; a key tool for ensuring risks are integrated into the business at the right level of management and oversight. This ensures all risks, including climate related risks are actively managed, reviewed and communicated, and risks with high or severe ratings are escalated to the appropriate leadership team member and Audit & Risk Committee.

Describe the process(es) your organization has in place to ensure that your engagement activities are consistent with your overall climate change strategy[…]We actively monitor legislative and policy changes to ensure we meet our obligations and manage risks and opportunities. We also work hard to maintain broad relationships across the political divide, pull our weight with industry and business organisations, and ensure our voice is heard by regulators on behalf of our customers and investors.

Our approach is straightforward, open-minded and evidence-based, in line with our Tikanga. We aim to build sustained and trusted relationships with external stakeholders who shape and influence the environment in which we operate.