Regulatory arrangements for small-scale distributed generation
The Minister of Energy and Resources requested the Authority to undertake this project in an October 2010 letter of expectations which the Authority is required to have regard to.
Final report - July 2012
The Retail Advisory Group delivered its report to the Authority Board on 29 June 2012 outlining its approach to the DG project and providing advice and recommendations. The Retail Advisory Group's main recommendations were:
- there are currently no material regulatory barriers to the purchase of power by retailers from small-scale DG or to investment in small-scale DG and no amendments to the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (Code) are required;
- the Authority should produce a fact sheet about the regulatory arrangements for small-scale DG to facilitate informed debate about the future role of small-scale DG; and
- operational issues in relation to small-scale DG should be considered as part of the Authority's review of provisions in Part 6 of the Code regarding connection of DG, which is scheduled to be undertaken in August 2012.
The Authority has decided to adopt in full the Retail Advisory Group's recommendation on the DG project.
Discussion paper - February 2012
On 7 February 2012, the Retail Advisory Group sought feedback on a discussion paper on the potential barriers facing consumers wishing to invest in small-scale distributed generation, and possible options for dealing with these barriers.
The discussion paper and details on how to make a submission are available from the consultation page.