We will update the Transmission Pricing Methodology (TPM) project page on an ongoing basis, as we respond to requests for further modelling and to provide modelling clarifications on the options working paper. We will also provide modelling of the four transition alternatives.

• TPM project page—options working paper

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In response to the Authority referring back some of Transpower’s components of its proposed variation to the TPM, Transpower resubmitted the HVDC charging component of its proposal (unchanged).  

This component proposes to change the allocation of HVDC costs to South Island generators from a peak (MW) to an average (MWh) injection.  We consider that the HVDC component should improve the operational efficiency of the electricity industry because it would address incentives for some South Island generators to inefficiently withhold generation capacity during periods when it’s needed . 

Transpower recommends working with the Authority to develop a component to provide for de-rating the HVDC charge in relation to injection in the Upper South Island before any de-rating change could be introduced. 

We accept there are significant design issues to address in relation to de-rating the HVDC charge in the Upper South Island before we could consider this component. Therefore, we are now consulting on the resubmitted HVDC component.

Submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday, 14 July 2015.

• Consultation paper

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We are proposing to establish a framework for giving consumers, their agents and other parties better access to:

1. information about electricity retailers’ generally available retail tariff plans
2. technical information about points of connection to electricity distribution networks. 

We consider that facilitating improved access to retail tariffs and connection data will provide long-term benefits to consumers by promoting competition in New Zealand’s retail electricity market and by promoting the more efficient operation of New Zealand’s electricity industry. This is consistent with our statutory objective.

The proposal complements the recent amendment to Part 11 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (Code), which facilitates access to consumption data and comes into effect on 1 February 2016. The benefits identified under both the completed Code amendment and the proposed framework will be more fully realised if the framework proceeds.

We have developed both the Code amendment and the proposed framework as part of the retail data project. 

The consultation period for this proposal runs from 23 June 2015 until 5pm 4 August 2015.

• Consultation paper
• Further information about the Retail Data Project

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We have published our 2015/16 work programme. Our work programme details the projects we intend to progress during the 2015/16 financial year. 

The programme comprises: 

1. Key regulatory projects: work that may result in significant new Code amendments or involves significant new market facilitation initiatives. These projects could involve substantial engagement with stakeholders. This includes priority 1 projects listed in our Statement of Performance Expectations (SPE).
2. Other outputs: includes market service improvement projects, implementation projects, other Code amendments and market facilitation measures (including operational projects to enhance consumer participation), post-implementation reviews, monitoring, information and education initiatives, market services projects, and compliance initiatives. 

Our top priorities for 2015/16 are improving retail competition and enhancing the efficient operation of the electricity industry. We have several projects targeted at improving retail competition, including hedge market improvements, retail data and the What’s My Number campaign. Projects to improve efficiency include the transmission pricing review and initiatives relating to distribution networks.

We remain flexible and responsive in the management of this work programme. We may need to reprioritise work during the year, for example if new projects are required or if new information is available about a specific project. We will review and update this work programme on a regular basis, and will publish summary reports on progress every four months.

• 2015/16 Work Programme

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We have published our Statement of Performance Expectations (SPE) for the 2015/16 financial year. 

We have produced this year’s SPE as a digital document only.

• View the full SPE document
• Navigate straight to: Our services and top priority projects
• Navigate straight to: Our strategic intentions
• Navigate straight to: financial information

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Hedge market development: Enhancing trading of hedge products

The Authority is consulting on enhancing trading of hedge products.

• Hedge market development

Started: 9/06/2015; Ending: 21/07/2015 5pm

Transmission Pricing Review: Transmission Pricing Methodology

The Authority is consulting on a Transmission Pricing Methodology options working paper and a companion paper. 

• Transmission Pricing Methodology

Started: 16/06/2015; Ending: 11/08/2015 5pm

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