Save the date: Industry Exercise 20-21 May 2026

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority) and Transpower will run an industry-wide exercise on 20-21 May 2026.

This year, we will simulate a major space weather event. Electricity market participants will work together to practice how to manage the impacts on Aotearoa’s power system and minimise any impact on electricity customers.

Aotearoa has experienced several solar storms over the past two years, including a large event in January. Each has shown the value of preparation and collaboration across Transpower, NEMA and scientific experts in New Zealand and overseas. This mahi has helped improve New Zealand’s solar storm readiness.

We recommend all electricity market participants take part in the Industry Exercise to:

• practise operational and communications processes for a major unexpected event in a safe, structured environment
• get familiar with System Operator processes and communications
• identify opportunities to strengthen how we work together during a major power system event.

To prepare participants, there will be a:

• 5 March 1-2.30pm webinar on space weather and its potential impacts
• 12 May 1-2.30pm briefing on processes and expectations.

Registration details will be shared soon.

The Authority and Transpower committed to holding annual exercises after the grid emergency on 9 August 2021, which affected more than 34,000 households. Each year, we build on what we learn to strengthen our collective readiness.

Read last year’s insights: Industry Exercise 2025 - key insights and recommendations