General news
Two Energy Competition Task Force programme updates
- Generation
- Retail
On 11 April 2025, in response to submitter requests for additional time, we extended the closing date for submissions on our Level playing field measures options paper by two weeks, to 5pm on 7 May 2025.
Following discussions with interested parties during our level playing field engagements, and on further consideration of the package of Energy Competition Task Force initiatives, we expect that submitter feedback on level playing field measures will be a useful input into our thinking on how power purchase agreements (PPAs) can support new generation entry (Task Force Initiative 1A). To ensure we are taking the most effective approach to supporting new generation entry, we will now publish an Initiative 1A update paper in May following receipt of the level playing field submissions.
We have also progressed our thinking on how best to reward industrial consumers for providing short-term demand flexibility (Task Force Initiative 2D). Our original published programme indicated that consultation would begin on a Code change in April 2025, if required. We have now identified that a Code change is unlikely to support better outcomes for Winter 2025 (either in terms of security of supply or affordability), but that there are options for Winter 2026 and beyond. We will release an issues and options paper in May for feedback.
Related News
Strong inflows push hydro storage above nominal full
Rainy spring weather and snowmelt have caused national hydro storage in New Zealand to increase beyond ‘nominal full’ capacity - and to its highest level since…
Deadline extended: Level playing field proposed Code amendments consultation
In response to submitter requests for additional time, we have extended the closing date for submissions on our Level playing field proposed Code amendments co…
Wholesale prices plummet as the proportion of renewables increases
Wholesale electricity prices dropped dramatically in just two months - from over $280/MWh in late August 2025 to an average of $30/MWh in October 2025, the low…