2018/19 Work Programme and related documents published
We have published the 2018/19 Work Programme, along with:
our report to the Minister on the outcomes of the 2018/19 appropriations consultation
the summary of submissions.
Our stakeholders have asked us to do things simpler and faster, and the 2018/19 Work Programme marks a significant change from previous years. Our aim is to focus more on our priority work and deliver our projects faster, so that the benefits for consumers are realised sooner. We have done this by:
setting more ambitious targets for our top priority projects, with associated changes to budget and resource allocations per project
reducing the number of active projects on the work programme.
We are confident that by doing fewer projects each year we will achieve more overall. Some trade-offs have been necessary to achieve this focus, and we will be actively managing the transition to the 2018/19 Work Programme to minimise any disruption this may cause.
The 2018/19 Work Programme and related documents are available on our website.
Submissions published: Dispatch Service Enhancement consultation
In April 2018, we consulted on proposed amendments to the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 and the Approved Systems Document that would enable the system operator’s Dispatch Service Enhancement (DSE) project. The proposed amendments would allow the system operator to replace the GENCO system it currently uses to issue electronic dispatch instructions.
Submissions published and call for cross-submissions: Saves and win-backs issues paper
We have published the submissions received on the Market Development Advisory Group (MDAG) Saves and win-backs issues paper. The consultation closed on 29 June 2018. The 13 submissions and 1 late submission are available to view on our website.
The Chair of MDAG also invites cross-submissions opening today, and closing at 5 pm on Tuesday, 7 August 2018. Please send cross-submissions to MDAG@ea.govt.nz, and note late cross-submissions are unlikely to be considered. The cross-submission process is designed to give submitters an opportunity to comment on points raised in submissions by other submitters.
In our 2017/18 work programme we committed to a review of the winter energy margin (WEM) and winter capacity margin (WCM) security of supply standards.
The WEM and WCM are key parts of the framework for monitoring medium-term security of supply. They assess what an efficient level of generation surplus would be to minimise overall costs to consumers.
The completed review showed that some changes to the security of supply standards may be warranted. However, the benefits of amending the standards at this time are limited because the effect of any potential amendments would be minor. To reduce the regulatory burden on stakeholders we will not propose any changes at this time or issue a paper for consultation.
We do however intend to review the standards again sooner than the regular five-yearly period.
Energy Trader Forum: Financial Markets Authority, market parallels and insights for NZ, Junction Road power station
As part of its work to provide insight and updates for participants in the electricity market, the Energy Trader Forum is hosting its quarterly meeting at Rydges Hotel in Wellington on Wednesday, 8 August from 1.30 pm to 6.00 pm.
Colin Magee, Head of Conduct from the Financial Markets Authority, will clarify the company’s involvement in energy markets and markets for financial products.
The meeting will also include a presentation from ICAP (markets operator and provider of execution and information services) and Nova Energy will talk about the market drivers and forward view around the decision to move ahead with the Junction Road power station.
The Buyers’ and Sellers’ Forum will feature Te Papa, Progressive Enterprises, and Meridian Energy.
For the full agenda and to register, please visit the website.
Final Reminder: Call for nominations for Security and Reliability Council chairperson due today
We are calling for nominations for an independent chairperson of the Security and Reliability Council (SRC). 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 security and reliability of the electricity system faces new challenges in a changing environment. The SRC needs a credible, independent, and constructive chairperson to guide it through this period of change.
The term of appointment will likely be two and a half years and we intend to appoint the successful nominee in September 2018.
Nominations and accompanying documents should be emailed to info@ea.govt.nz, with 'Nomination for SRC chairperson' in the subject line by 5 pm today, Tuesday, 24 July.
The nomination form and terms of reference are available on our website.
Registry user training: Expressions of interest sought
The Authority is considering running a hands-on training course for registry users either in Auckland or Wellington in mid-November 2018.
The course is suitable for new registry users and participants wanting to gain some knowledge of how the registry works. Attendees will engage in hands-on exercises and will receive practical experience in:
the operation of the registry
the lifecycle of an ICP, including the registry roles of distributor, trader and metering equipment providers
the operation of the reconciliation manager portal to upload and download files, manage trade notifications, and add/edit changes to NSPs and balancing areas.
We need to set up individual workstations for registry access, so total attendance numbers are limited and numbers may also be limited by organisation.
To express interest in attending the course, please email your name, contact details and preferred location to conference@ea.govt.nz by 5 pm Monday, 20 August 2018 with ‘registry training’ in the subject line.
Places will fill fast, but please do not book flights and accommodation until you have received confirmation of attendance.
