System operator consultation: adjustment to alert contingent storage release boundary

When the system operator published its July Electricity Risk Curves, it indicated they were undertaking analysis to further assess the implications of the worsening hydro situation across New Zealand. Hydro lake levels now sit at 55% of average – one of the lowest levels seen at this time of year based on historical records.

A key consideration is the ability of hydro generators to access contingent storage without breaching resource consents. They can only do this when national storage drops below the Electricity Risk Curve Alert level, which is not expected until after some individual hydro lakes have already reached their resource consent limits.

The immediate issue is if these generators can’t access their contingent storage, they will have limited generation capability, which will increase system security risks.

The system operator is seeking your feedback on its draft decision to bring forward access to contingent storage by lifting the alert status curve for the month of September. This consultation is open for one week with submissions closing at midday next Friday 16 August.

View consultation