Decision on the HHR switching process for AMI switch event meter readings
In January 2015 we published a consultation paper proposing that if a losing trader could not provide an AMI switch event meter reading, and the gaining trader could, then the switching process should use the gaining trader’s accurate AMI switch event meter reading. We have now published our decisions on this proposal and amended the Code accordingly. The Code amendments, together with a related Code amendment made under a previous consultation, come into effect on 9 October 2015.
Decisions on Transpower’s Transmission Pricing Methodology (TPM) operational review
As foreshadowed in last week’s Market Brief, we have released a Decisions and reasons paper setting out our decisions on the four components of Transpower's proposed variation to the TPM.
We will publish a Code amendment instrument and Gazette notice after we have considered and made decisions on the HVDC component of Transpower's proposed variation. This will allow any Code amendments resulting from our decisions on the HVDC component to be made alongside any Code amendments arising from our decisions on the first four components of the proposed variation.
Empirical analysis of consumer switching experiences
We have published a technical paper on consumer switching experiences in the New Zealand retail electricity market. The technical paper is accompanied by a laypersons' guide as well as a consumers' guide. The laypersons' guide provides a non-technical summary of selected aspects of the technical paper. In addition, the consumers' guide focuses on specific retail customer results that provide insight on retail customers' habits in the retail market.
To encourage further research, the technical paper targets economists who may be interested in pursuing further research on retailer choice. It provides an econometric analysis of survey results that examine various aspects of the behaviours, attitudes and perceptions of retail customers towards retailer choice. The study applies discrete choice modelling to associate the retail customer’s selection of a retailer with the retail customer’s socioeconomic characteristics, household composition, perceptions of the selected retailer, attitudes toward switching to other retailers and the use of online price comparison tools in search of retail offers. The key findings of the study characterise the retail customer types who are more inclined to switch to other retailers or stay with their existing retailer when customer and retailer attributes are introduced to the analysis.
Wholesale Advisory Group recommendations on hedge market development
The Wholesale Advisory Group (WAG) has undertaken an intensive investigation into hedge market enhancements to improve retail competition and efficiency. The WAG’s recommendations paper is now on our website.
The WAG recognised that the hedge market has developed significantly in recent years and continues to make progress, but that further enhancements are necessary.
Progress on the WAG’s recommendations will be prioritised within our work programme.
Reminder about participant registration and information update
We remind participants that it is their responsibility to register with the Authority as a participant, and ensure the information they provide for registration is up-to-date. Please check that all information is up-to-date including contact names and details that may have changed.
Failure to register or to update information is an offence under section 31 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010.
