The Authority has amended Exemption 176, which applies to New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited (NZAS). Exemption 176 previously exempted NZAS from complying with clauses 10.13(1), 11.10, and 15.38 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (Code).

The amendment extends Exemption 176, so that it now also exempts NZAS from clause 10.24(c) of the Code, in addition to the clauses noted above.

The Gazette notice, including reasons for the amendment, is available on our website.

• Gazette notice 

On 7 October 2014, the Minister of Energy and Resources wrote to the Authority requesting, under section 18(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010, that the Authority undertake an inquiry into the Penrose substation fire. The fire occurred on 5 October 2014. The Authority’s report was published on 26 November 2015.

Included in the Authority’s report, was a recommendation for Transpower New Zealand Limited (Transpower) and Vector Limited (Vector) to report on progress they have made implementing changes recommended in the report. 

The progress reports published are the final two progress reports submitted to the Authority—for January 2018 and June 2017. The January 2018 report shows that Transpower and Vector have completed all actions they committed to.

• Progress report - January 2018
• Progress report - June 2017

Consultation on proposed guidelines for connection and electrical connection closes today

We have published a consultation paper on our proposed connection and electrical connection guidelines. The guidelines discuss the process and Code requirements for connecting a point of connection (POC) to a network, and the subsequent electrical connection of the POC.

• Consultation paper

Started 10/04/2018; Ending: 08/05/2018

Consultation on proposed amendments to enable the system operator’s Dispatch Service Enhancement (DSE) project 

We have published a consultation paper on proposed amendments to the Code and the Approved Systems Document that would enable the system operator’s dispatch service enhancement (DSE) project.

The proposed amendments to the Approved Systems Document would allow for the current GENCO software to be replaced as the approved system used to issue electronic dispatch instructions. We also propose amendments to Part 13 of the Code that would increase the benefits from adopting new communication protocols for issuing electronic dispatch instructions.

• Consultation paper

Started 10/04/2018; Ending: 22/05/2018

Consultation on Permitting Approved Test Houses (ATHs) to amend certification reports

In December 2017, we made an urgent amendment to the Code to enable ATHs to amend certification reports for a metering installation or a metering component. In certain circumstances this would avoid the need to recertify. The urgent Code amendment expires on 12 October 2018. We propose amending the Code permanently, so the effect of the urgent amendment will continue past this date. 

• Consultation paper

Started 24/04/2018; Ending: 05/06/2018