Consultations

We have amended the Code to require retailers to provide information about their generally available retail tariff plans to any person that requests them. The Code amendment took effect on 1 February 2016.

However, the Code does not specify the format or method a retailer may use to provide this information. Our consultation paper presents a draft file format for use by retailers and seeks feedback from interested parties. The use of the file format is voluntary. The format is an addition to the current suite of industry EIEPs and has been titled EIEP 14.

The Electricity Authority (Authority) is proposing to establish a framework for giving consumers, their agents and other parties better access to:

1. information about electricity retailers’ generally available retail tariff plans
2. technical information about points of connection to electricity distribution networks. 

The Authority considers that facilitating improved access to retail tariff and connection data will provide long term benefits to consumers by promoting competition in New Zealand’s retail electricity market and by promoting the more efficient operation of New Zealand’s electricity industry. This is consistent with the Authority’s statutory objective.

The proposal complements the recent amendment to Part 11 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (Code), which facilitates access to consumption data and comes into effect on 1 February 2016. The benefits identified under both the completed Code amendment and the proposed framework will be more fully realised if the framework proceeds.

We have developed both the Code amendment and the proposed framework as part of the retail data project.

We have also attached the independent Sapere research paper that informed the development of the options and the consultation paper for additional information.

We have amended the Code  to require retailers to provide consumers, or their agents, with their electricity consumption data. This is a consumer-focused initiative intended to promote competition in the retail market. This amendment will take effect from 1 February 2016. It will make it easier for consumers to use their consumption data to make decisions about their retailer and retail tariff options.

In order to support the standardised exchange of data, we have developed three electricity information exchange protocols (EIEP) formats and a procedures document. The EIEP format is regulated under the Code.

Before finalising these documents we are seeking feedback from interested parties.

The Authority is seeking feedback on its proposal to amend the Electricity Industry Participation Code (Code) to require retailers to provide consumers with access to consumption data in a standard format. The objective of the proposed amendment is to promote retail market competition by facilitating consumer participation. The Authority considers that effective competition requires engaged consumers, and access to information such as the detailed consumption data available from smart meters is a key requirement for more engaged customers. The Authority is concerned that existing arrangements for access to consumption data are patchy and are limiting the ability of consumers to effectively make electricity decisions.  

The Authority has developed an indicative draft specification for transferring interval consumption data from retailers to consumers in a standardised, machine readable format. The draft specification is available in document form below. A sample of the data that would be generated by using this specification is available as a comma separated values file below. 

The Authority is seeking feedback on issues relating to incomplete retail data and the lack of widespread confidence that the retail market is competitive and delivering benefits to consumers. Feedback is also sought on the preliminary options that might address the issues identified.

The Authority is not currently proposing market facilitation measures or Code amendments, but may carry out further consultation on proposals to resolve any issues with retail data, including consulting on Code amendment proposals.

The Authority intends holding a forum in late March 2014 to discuss feedback about retail data issues and possible options for addressing any issues. Further details about the forum will be advised in February.