Open Networks

The Authority is hosting a distribution networks hui in Wellington on 12 October 2021. The hui is intended to share information on developments and trials as the electricity industry evolves.

 Further details and the focus of the hui is set out in the draft agenda (below) and will include:

• non network alternatives
• EV trials
• microgrids

Please register if you wish to attend this event.

This workshop is part of the Authority’s wider programme of work with distribution networks to better support the electricity sector’s transition to a low-emissions economy, while continuing to provide long-term benefits to consumers.

To express interest in attending, please email your name and contact details to conference@ea.govt.nz with “Distribution Networks workshop” in the subject line.

Note that registration is essential. Total attendance numbers are limited, so please do not book any travel or accommodation until you receive confirmation of registration.

 This hui was deferred from 29 June 2021 due to the Covid alert level in Wellington that week.

The Authority is hosting an Open Networks hui in Wellington on 29 June 2021.

The focus of the workshop is standards, and will include:

• updates and discussions on standards development in the industry
• presentations on smart EV charger trials
• presentations on microgrids

To express your interest in attending, please email your name and contact details to conference@ea.govt.nz with 'Open Networks workshop' in the subject line.

Note that registration is essential. Total attendance numbers are limited, so please do not book any travel or accommodation until you receive confirmation of registration.

The Authority hosted a second Open Networks hui in Wellington on 5 August 2020. This hui was a follow up to the first one (held on 19 November 2019), and was deferred from March due to Covid-19.

 The focus of the hui is standards, included:

• updates and discussions on standards development in the industry, including presentations from Westpower and WEL Networks
• discussion on standards that were suggested at the first workshop
• pilot, trial and investigation networking session.

 The final agenda and the presentations are available below.

Open Networks Development Programme

In September 2019, the Electricity Authority announced the start of its Open Networks Development Programme which is part of our wider programme of work to reduce inefficient barriers to the development and use of evolving technologies and business models across the supply chain.

The Open Networks programme responds to advice we received on creating equal access to electricity networks from our Innovation and Participation Advisory Group (IPAG) in early 2019.

One of the issues identified by IPAG was a need to standardise DER connection policies across the whole country where practical. To help to address this, we have released a public consultation document proposing an amendment to Part 6 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010. The changes would allow for integrating hosting capacity into small-scale distributed generation connections. Consultation will be open until 3 December 2019.

Open Networks – Standards Forum

On 19 November 2019, we hosted a forum to provide more information on the proposed changes to Part 6. The presentations from this event are available below.