Code changes to address common quality issues

A package of targeted common quality Code amendments has been made by the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority) to help maintain the security and resilience of the power system.

The six amendments will update Code terminology, clarify requirements, and remove inconsistencies in Parts 1, 7 and 8 of the Code.

The amendments cover frequency limits and recovery requirements, Fast Instantaneous Reserve and Sustained Instantaneous Reserve definitions, fault ride-through requirements, and other compliance obligations requirements.

The Authority consulted on the proposals earlier this year and made changes to three of the amendments in response to feedback.

In addition to supporting the secure and reliable operation of the power system, the changes will make the Code more consistent and enable it to better accommodate evolving technologies, particularly inverter-based generation.

The Code amendments will take effect on 1 December 2026.

In addition, the Authority has also approved six amendments to the Ancillary Service Procurement Plan:

• Five amendments were previously deferred from the System Operator’s 2025 consultation on the Ancillary Services Procurement Plan.
• One amendment is to the definition of the Fast Instantaneous Reserve and Sustained Instantaneous Reserve, which will support one of the common quality Code amendments.

The amended procurement plan came into effect on 23 October 2026.