Interim update of the hydrological modelling dataset (HMD)
Late last year we published the inaugural HMD on the EMI website. We are grateful to those participants who assisted us by providing data, feedback and advice.
The HMD replaces the so-called Spectra dataset that the Authority previously published every two years. More importantly, it extends the available data beyond inflows. For example, the HMD includes information on storage, spill, and resource consents. Timely hydrological information is important for making well-informed investment and operational decisions, policy, and for monitoring security of supply. The latter is particularly topical given the recent and proposed thermal plant closures.
We are also progressing standardisation and alignment of key parameters, such as plant factors, across the various uses of hydrological data, e.g. the determination of hydro risk curves by the system operator and the conversion of flow rates to energy in the NZX Hydro (NIWA) dataset.
We have retained OPUS International Consultants to undertake an interim update to append 2015 data to the dataset we published last year. Accordingly, we have once again requested assistance from the relevant participants. In the future, we propose to undertake an interim update annually with a full update, including a review of the historical correlations series, every two or three years.
We would welcome your feedback, so please contact emi@ea.govt.nz if you have any questions or comments.
Nominations to the Security and Reliability Council are due today
We have been seeking nominations for a member of the Security and Reliability Council (SRC); nominations are due today at 5 pm. The SRC provides independent advice to the Authority on reliability of supply issues and on the performance of the electricity system and the system operator. The SRC comprises senior members of the New Zealand electricity industry including consumers and former employees of industry members.
The vacancy on the SRC has arisen because of the resignation of Judi Jones, the departing Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner. As such, we are particularly interested in nominations from people who have knowledge and experience with representing residential consumers.
Please email nominations and accompanying documents (as described on the nomination form) to info@ea.govt.nz, with 'Nomination for SRC membership' in the subject line, by 5pm today.
Nominations for the Retail Advisory Group and the Wholesale Advisory Group are due next week
The call for nominations for members of the Retail Advisory Group (RAG) and the Wholesale Advisory Group (WAG) will close next week, 29 March 2016 at 5 pm.
The RAG provides independent advice to the Authority's Board (Board) with a focus on the relationships between the retailer, distributor and the consumer.
The WAG provides independent advice to the Board on projects concerning the design of the wholesale electricity market. This includes wholesale electricity, ancillary services and risk management contracts.
We are seeking members for the RAG and WAG who can bring:
strategic, commercial, and regulatory expertise
knowledge and expertise from a relevant component of the electricity supply chain
an ability to contribute effectively to the advisory group’s tasks
an ability to contribute to the advisory group by providing independent advice, regardless of whether or not they are an independent person
a high level of integrity and credibility within the electricity industry.
We are particularly interested in receiving nominations from stakeholders who have experience in non-traditional and new and growing areas of the sector, eg, energy market services.
Further information about the RAG and WAG, and nomination forms, are available on our website.
Nominations should be emailed to rag@ea.govt.nz or wag@ea.govt.nz by 5 pm Tuesday, 29 March 2016, with ‘Nomination for Retail Advisory Group’ or ‘Nomination for Wholesale Advisory Group’, whichever applies, in the subject line.
Final reminder: Feedback for the revised Rulings Panel procedures
Reminder that on behalf of the Rulings Panel we are making its draft revised procedures available for feedback. We should receive any feedback to the Rulings Panel by 5:00 pm, Thursday 24 March 2016. We will pass any feedback to the Rulings Panel for its consideration.
