In March 2015 we published a discussion paper, Options to improve retail competition - findings of the spot market review. The discussion paper considered five options to refine the spot market to further enhance retail and hedge market competition. 

We have considered feedback on the discussion paper and decided to further explore two refinements to the spot market in 2015/16:

• options for settling on prices based on system conditions in real time
• options for adding or facilitating an hours-ahead market.

As part of the work on these refinements, we will consider the value of enhancing the accuracy of the inputs into the pricing process, such as wind and demand forecasts. We will not proceed with the refinements if the introduction of these enhancements mean there is no additional net benefit from proceeding to real time pricing or an hours-ahead market.

This approach provides optionality and enables us to maintain momentum to ensure spot market arrangements are not a barrier to greater consumer participation in the future as new technology develops, and to cater appropriately for all forms of generation. 

More details about our consideration of submissions and our decision are available on our website.

• Decision paper and summary of submissions

Back to top

In April 2015 we granted Exemption 227 to Giving Energy Limited, from the obligation to obtain certification as a reconciliation participant.  We have now amended Exemption 227, so that it will not expire until 23 April 2016. 

We have also gazetted two new exemptions:

• Meridian Energy Limited (No. 231) from complying with the obligation in clause 10.24(c) of the Code, not to use subtraction to determine submission information
• Alpine Energy Limited (No. 232)) from complying with the obligation in clause 4(2)(a) of Schedule 10.7 of the Code to ensure that its metering installation configuration does not use subtraction to determine submission information.

The Gazette notices, including reasons, are available on the exemptions page of our website. The amendment and the exemptions came into force on 28 August 2015.

• Exemptions

Back to top

The system operator will commission security tools for the HVDC controls on 10 September 2015. The tools will support secure operation of new HVDC technologies, including round power and frequency-keeping control. The system operator has published new guidelines on how the event risk inputs to the market schedules will change when round power and frequency-keeping control are in operation. 

These guidelines are available on the system operator’s website under “Related Information”.

• System operator guidelines

Back to top

We have published papers from the 7 August 2015 meeting of the Wholesale Advisory Group (WAG).

• WAG papers

Back to top

Generation fault ride through

We are consulting on a proposal to add fault ride through standards for all generating plant to the Code. 

• Generation fault ride through consultation paper

Started: 25/08/2015; Ending: 6/10/2015 5pm

Back to top

Demand response guiding regulatory principles

We welcome feedback on an information paper about demand response guiding regulatory principles. 

• Demand response information paper

Started: 11/08/2015; Ending: 23/09/2015 5pm

Back to top