Seeking feedback on proposal to require half-hourly data for reconciliation

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority) is seeking feedback on our proposal to amend the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (Code) to require participants to submit half hourly-data into the wholesale market’s reconciliation process, where this data is available.

These changes will support the efficient operation of New Zealand’s electricity system for the long-term benefit of consumers. They will improve wholesale market reconciliation and invoicing accuracy, strengthen price signals and enhance incentives for demand-side flexibility, meaning New Zealanders would be able to make more informed decisions about consuming and generating their electricity.

Half-hourly metering installations are currently installed at over 96% of premises in New Zealand, but only about half of retailers are submitting half-hourly data into the wholesale market’s reconciliation process as they currently have a choice whether to submit this data or not. These Code changes would make submitting this data compulsory.

This proposal is consistent with:

a) our Energy Competition Task Force work programme and other consumer mobility initiatives

b) recommendations from the Innovation and Participation Advisory Group and the Market Development Advisory Group.

To comply with these changes, retailers, distributors, the reconciliation manager and the registry manager would need to update their systems and processes. We estimate that the economic benefits from promoting demand-side flexibility will outweigh the initial implementation costs.

Read the consultation paper and send us your feedback by 5pm Friday 21 November.