Part 10 effective date deferred

Following consideration of the submissions on the recent consultation paper, the Authority has decided to defer the effective date of the new Part 10 metering arrangements (and the related changes to Parts 1, 11 and 15) from 6 June 2013 to 29 August 2013.

Sixteen of the eighteen submissions received supported the extension. In general terms, those submitters supporting the extension considered that the additional time would provide more opportunity for the issues of industry readiness and the clean-up of metering information to be addressed.

The Authority considers that the delay in the effective date for the new metering arrangements is not desirable, but it is necessary in the specific circumstances that exist in this case. The Authority expects participants to fully commit to meeting the new date. In order to support this process, the Authority will be increasing the requirements for industry participants and the data clean-up technical group to report on their readiness to meet the new date. The relevant reports will be published to enable all parties to assess progress. As noted in the consultation paper, the Authority anticipates utilising the Code compliance process in the event that issues with participant system readiness and the quality of metering information impact on the operation of the new arrangements at the new effective date. This may include breaches being referred to the Ruling Panel for pecuniary penalty and compensation orders.

Further communications to participants will follow shortly, and the Authority will publish a decision paper and summary of submissions in due course.

Submissions (excluding one submission provided on a confidential basis) have been published.

• Submissions

Update from the Locational Price Risk Technical Group

The latest papers from the Locational Price Risk Technical Group meeting of 17 April 2013 have been published.

• Technical group papers

Castalia appointed to undertake Distribution Pricing Alignment Review

The Authority has appointed Castalia to assist with the Distribution Pricing Alignment Review.

The review has now commenced, and Castalia will likely seek feedback from distributors on their initial evaluation between June and September 2013. Nearer to the time, Castalia will contact individual distributors regarding the specific timing for their feedback.

The Authority expects to consider Castalia’s final report in December 2013.

Current consultations

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 a number of 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