Enquiry into HVDC pole 3 commissioning on the wholesale electricity market

The Authority has initiated an enquiry into the impact of the HVDC pole commissioning tests on the wholesale electricity market.

Transpower has started commissioning of HVDC pole 3 which involves a number of commissioning tests on the HVDC. Some of these require restricted HVDC transfer levels to test its capability.

The Authority has observed that a number of commissioning tests are having an impact on the wholesale electricity market price. As an example on 3 April 2013, constraints were applied on HVDC pole 2 and pole 3 to constrain the flow on the HVDC as part of the planned HVDC tests. These constraints were applied in the calculation of final prices and affected prices in the South Island.

• For information on the enquiry

Part 10 implementation: decision paper on proposed transitional Code amendments

A decision paper on the transitional Code amendments that were proposed in the consultation paper ‘Proposed transitional and minor Code amendments to Parts 10, 11 and 15’ (questions 1-5)  will be published shortly on the Authority's website.

Part 10: updated Participant Transition Plan published

The Part 10 Participant Transition Plan has been updated following feedback from participants. The Authority asks participants who will be transitioning systems to the new Part 10 arrangements, and are affected by the Participant Transition Plan, to email primary and secondary contacts for the transition to marketoperations@ea.govt.nz by 30 April 2013. The Authority will establish a team to facilitate communication leading up to and through the Part 10 transition phase. 

• Part 10 Participant Transition Plan

Metering equipment provider auditor training

The Authority will hold a training session for metering equipment provider (MEP) auditors on Tuesday, 30 April 2013, 9am-5pm at the Abel Tasman Hotel, 169 Willis St, Te Aro, Wellington. The training is designed for those applying to be approved MEP auditors as well as MEP internal auditors. Those wishing to attend should register by sending their names and company details to conference@ea.govt.nz with 'MEP auditor training 30 April 2013’ in the subject line.

Registrations close Wednesday, 24 April 2013.

• Agenda

Approved auditor forum

The Authority will hold a forum for approved and prospective auditors on Monday, 29 April 2013, 9.15 am-5pm at the Electricity Authority’s office, Level 7, ASB Bank Tower, 2 Hunter Street, Wellington.  Numbers are limited and priority will be given to approved auditors and prospective MEP auditors.  Those wishing to attend should register by sending their names and company details to conference@ea.govt.nz  with 'Approved auditor forum 29 April 2013’ in the subject line.

Registrations close Wednesday, 24 April 2013.

• Agenda

Updated consultation calendar published

The Authority’s calendar has been updated to show indicative dates for upcoming consultations.

• Updated consultation calendar

Retail Advisory Group: 17 April 2013

Papers for the 17 April 2013 meeting of the Retail Advisory Group have been published.

• Meeting papers

Current consultations

Strategic directions for market development

The Authority is seeking feedback on proposed strategic directions for market development. The strategic directions are intended to further explain the Authority’s future focus for market development, and to provide more information about how the Authority might respond to changing circumstances, such as technology change. Started: 12/3/2013. Ending: 23/4/2013, 5pm.

• Strategic directions for market development

Review of undesirable trading situation provisions

The Authority has reviewed the undesirable trading situation (UTS) provisions in the Code in light of experience with the UTS which occurred on 26 March 2011. The review did not identify a need for any fundamental changes, but has highlighted areas where the Code could be improved. Started: 19/3/2013. Ending 1/5/2013, 5pm.

• Review of undesirable trading situation provisions

Part 10 implementation: Proposed Guideline for Metering Equipment Provider Audits

Part 10 of the Code establishes the regulatory framework for metering in the New Zealand electricity industry. The Authority has approved a new Part 10 and associated amendments to Parts 1, 11 and 15 to develop a new set of metering arrangements that will be effective from 6 June 2013.This consultation seeks feedback on the Authority's draft Guideline for Metering Equipment Provider Audits. Starting: 25/3/2013. Ending: 7/5/2013, 5pm.

• Guideline for Metering Equipment Provider Audits

Wholesale Market Information Disclosure Obligations (clause 13.2) Guideline

The Authority is seeking feedback on a proposed guideline to assist participants in applying proposed changes to clause 13.2 of the Code. The proposed changes to clause 13.2 were the subject of a consultation which closed on 21 December 2012. Starting: 26/3/2013. Ending: 7/5/2013, 5pm.

• Proposed clause 13.2A Guidelines

Options for increasing consumers propensity to compare and switch retailers

The Retail Advisory Group is considering options for promoting retail competition by increasing consumers’ propensity to compare and switch retailers. The project’s purpose is to identify actions the Authority might take after 30 April 2014 to increase consumers’ propensity to compare and switch retailers. Starting: 9/4/2013. Ending: 4/6/2013, 5pm.

• Options for increasing consumers’ propensity to compare and switch retailers

Review of domestic contracting arrangements: issues paper

The Retail Advisory Group is seeking feedback on issues relating to the operational effectiveness of the domestic contracting arrangements, so it can identify specific issues to be addressed. Starting: 16/4/2013. Ending: 11/6/2013, 5pm.

• Review of domestic contracting arrangements: issues paper