Feedback sought on the future operation of New Zealand’s power system

Today the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko opened its consultation into the future operation of New Zealand’s power system and requests your feedback.

New Zealand’s electricity sector is beginning an unprecedented transformation as the country transitions to a more electrified economy and this will have a significant effect on the operation of our power system.

The consultation paper The future operation of New Zealand’s power system looks at possible key challenges and opportunities with power system operation in New Zealand over the coming decade and beyond.

Andrew Millar, General Manager Market Policy expressed that the Authority hasn’t formed an official view on the challenges and opportunities put forward.

“We are viewing this as the start of an important conversation for our industry and an opportunity to think strategically about how we approach the changes that are coming. While we cannot predict with accuracy how the power system will evolve, we can get ahead of the curve by understanding what challenges and opportunities may arise and how we might prepare for these changes.”

The consultation paper provides an overview of New Zealand’s power system operation, drivers for change, and possible challenges and opportunities ahead of us.”

“The ongoing effective and efficient coordination of the power system will be crucial to ensuring a reliable power system is provided at least cost to consumers," said Millar.

“The future security and resilience of the power system is one of our key priorities as New Zealand moves to an increasingly electrified economy. Given this, and our independence and pan-industry view, the Authority is well placed to facilitate a review of future power system operation, working closely with and alongside industry stakeholders.”

The Electricity Authority is seeking feedback from interested parties on the key drivers for change and the challenges and opportunities in our consultation paper. We are also keen to hear if there are other drivers, challenges or opportunities that we have not considered in the paper.

“The feedback received during our consultation will help build our understanding and inform what any ‘next steps’ might look like.”

Submissions are open until 5pm, Thursday 11 April 2024.

The Authority invites people to join our webinar on Tuesday 27 February 10-11.00am to learn more about the consultation.

View the consultation