Following New Zealand’s move to the Covid-19 protection framework, the Authority expects electricity retailers to align with the consumer care guidelines and work proactively with domestic consumers to minimise harm caused by difficulty accessing electricity. Disconnection should only be used as a last resort measure.
If at any point localised lockdowns are used as part of the COVID-19 protection framework, the Authority considers this continues to meet the criteria for when disconnection for non-payment, of both post- and pre-pay customers, should not occur. As referenced in a letter sent to retailers in late August, the Authority considers pandemic-related lockdowns fit this criteria.
Electricity retailers following the consumer care guidelines will proactively refer their at-risk customers or uncontracted consumers to support or social agencies and/or health practitioners and health agencies for help and advice. We have produced an overview document to help those agencies understand their role in the context of the guidelines, including what electricity retailers and consumers can expect from them.
All retailers are expected to fully align with the consumer care guidelines by the end of this year.
|
|
Cross-submissions on TPM proposal now invited
|
|
The initial submission period for the Authority’s proposed new TPM has now ended.
Thanks to everyone who submitted, asked questions or who attended our briefing and technical sessions held over the consultation period.
Cross-submissions are now invited. Cross-submissions should only address points made in the initial submissions and are due by 5pm on 23 December 2021. Visit our website to find out how to make a cross-submission.
The Authority received 32 initial submissions, which can be viewed on our website, along with the consultation documentation. The accompanying supporting information and analysis is available on the EMI website.
|
|
Final determination of the causer for the 2 May 2021 under-frequency event
|
|
Earlier this year we consulted on our draft determination for the 2 May 2021 under frequency event. No submissions were received.
We have finalised the determination that Genesis Energy Limited, is the causer of the under-frequency event on 2 May 2021 at 07:36am. The reasons for our determination are available on our website.
If a substantially affected participant would like to dispute the final determination, they can provide a written notice to the Rulings Panel within 10 business days after the publication of this decision. Please send notices to the Rulings Panel at registrar@electricityrulingspanel.nz by 5pm on 21 December 2021.
|
|
Compliance strategy consultation - submissions published
|
|
During October and November 2021 the Authority consulted on a compliance strategy. We sought feedback on how a compliance strategy could help us to structure our compliance approach and focus our resources on the most serious and highest priority risks.
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the proposal. The submissions have now been published.
The Compliance team will take into account the feedback and prepare a final version of the strategy, which will be published in 2022.
|
|
Have your say: compliance monitoring regime
|
|
The Authority is developing a new risk-based compliance monitoring regime. This will help identify areas of the Code where non-compliance may be difficult to detect and could have significant impacts on consumers.
The monitoring regime will help shape our compliance priorities and ensure these align with the Authority’s new Statement of Intent and revised compliance strategy.
We want to hear your views on the areas of the Code where non-compliance is most likely to occur, and what areas can cause the most harm to consumers.
We are holding two online workshops:
- Workshop 1: Tuesday 14 December 2021, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Workshop 2: Thursday 16 December 2021, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
You can register to attend by emailing Compliance.ElectricityAuthority@ea.govt.nz.
Engagement will be completed by the end of December 2021 and the draft compliance monitoring regime will be published for feedback in the first half of 2022.
|
|
IPAG meeting papers published
|
|
The Authority has published the papers from the Innovation and Participation Advisory Group (IPAG) meeting held on 16 November 2021.
At the meeting, Concept Consulting presented their paper on electricity supply arrangements for electric vehicles, Habitat Energy presented the evolution of flexibility markets overseas, Allan Millar presented ANSA’s hosting capacity and real-time distribution pricing roadmap, and Transpower gave an update on the development of flexibility services and platform providers. Authority staff also joined the meeting to further discuss stakeholders’ feedback on the discussion paper “updating regulatory settings for distribution networks” and the work the Market Development Advisory Group (MDAG) are doing on demand side flexibility.
|
|
MDAG meeting papers published
|
|
We have published the meeting pack from the Market Development Advisory Group (MDAG) meeting held on 17 November 2021, and the minutes of the MDAG meeting held on 20 October 2021.
At the 17 November meeting the MDAG discussed inputs into the issues paper on price discovery under 100% renewable electricity supply.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proposed changes to the system operator procurement plan
Ends today at 5pm
|
|
|
Opportunities and challenges to the future security and resilience of the New Zealand power system
Ending: 14/12/2021 5pm
|
|
|
Review of competition in the wholesale market from January 2019 until early 2021 and an issues paper on inefficient price discrimination
Ending: 22/12/2021 5pm
|
|
|
Cross-submissions on TPM proposal
Ending: 23/12/2021 5pm
|
|
|
Level 7, Harbour Tower, 2 Hunter Street, PO Box 10041, Wellington 6143, New Zealand
Tel: + 64 4 460 8860 Email: communications@ea.govt.nz
|
|
|
|
|
