One test measures exposure to energy shortage events (sustained high spot prices). 

The second test simulates conditions possible during a relatively brief (eight hours) but unexpected shortfall in generation capacity during a time of relatively high demand.  

The stress tests and associated base case scenarios are set out in Table 1 and 2.

Table 1: Energy shortage stress tests

  Test scenario Base case
Reference code E1 EB
Nature of event Sustained national drought (no public conservation campaign) Base case for energy tests
Key features of scenario Average spot prices are $400/MWh for the coming quarter (time weighted average basis at Otahuhu) 'Average' conditions apply
Average level of prices $400/MWh (time weighted average at Otahuhu) $100/MWh (time weighted average at Otahuhu)

Table 2: Capacity shortage stress tests

 

 Test scenarios Base case
Reference code C1 CB
Nature of event Unexpected short-term capacity shortage at time of high demand Base case for capacity tests
Key features of scenario Spot prices are $10,000/MWh across 8 peak hours of day, for 1 day 'Average' conditions apply
Average level of prices $10,000/MWh (time weighted average at Otahuhu) $100/MWh (time weighted average at Otahuhu)

Participants should note that these scenarios have been prepared solely for the purposes of the stress testing regime. The scenarios are completely hypothetical - spot prices could be higher or lower than those set out in these tests - even if events similar to the stress tests occurred.

Despite the introduction of the stress testing regime, participants remain entirely responsible for decisions to manage their level of exposure to spot prices.

Application of stress tests

As much as practicable, the stress testing regime is intended to fit in with the arrangements that industry participants already have in place for monitoring their exposure to spot price risk.

In particular, we've limited the level of prescription in the stress testing arrangements, while still ensuring that resulting disclosure is robust.

The application notes are in three broad categories:

  • quantitative assumptions - where we specify matters that must be followed. These relate primarily to the average price projections to be used in base case and stress test scenarios
  • methodological direction - where we set out a methodology that it expects participants to follow, for example for locational price adjustments. In this category, we publish summarised quantitative information, but participants may generate their own adjustment factors provided they remain consistent with the broad approach specified by us
  • qualitative direction - where we provide direction of a non-quantitative nature. Participants must compile bona fide estimates consistent with this direction.