Authority approves system operator's changes to policy statement

Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority) has approved changes to some of the system operator’s policies. These changes will ensure the power system remains stable and resilient to shocks whilst minimising disruption to consumers’ electricity supply.

The following changes will come into effect on Friday 14 March as an update to the policy statement, which describes how the system operator will meet its core Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (Code) obligations for managing the power system:

• adding detail on how it would manage ‘stability events’
• providing detail and clarity on how it would ask large industrial consumers and distribution lines companies to reduce demand in short duration grid emergencies
• providing a more equitable allocation of demand reductions in short-term grid emergencies.

The system operator consulted publicly on these changes with industry before proposing them to the Authority in late 2024.

They received one submission, from Meridian Energy, who supported the addition of detail around demand management but recommended the system operator check that it was consistent with the intent of the Code. The system operator responded, and the Authority agrees, that the additions are consistent with the Code’s intent.

See the system operation documents page for more information.