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Enabling investment and innovation

Dispatch service enhancement

Improving flexibility and resilience of the system for dispatch instructions.

  • Generation
  • Policy
  • Code

    • Overview

    We have amended the Code and the Approved Systems Document to enable the system operator (Transpower) to replace their ageing Generator Communication (GenCo) software for issuing electronic dispatch instructions.

    GenCo will be replaced by two alternate communication protocols for dispatch: Inter-Control Center Communications Protocol (ICCP) and web services to:

    • ensure secure and reliable delivery of dispatch communications
    • reduce technical barriers to market entry and participation, including for new technologies and business models
    • increase flexibility and reduce complexity of the dispatch service.

    Timeline

    Past activity

    Project background

    The system operator uses software to issue dispatch instructions to market participants. In 2018, this system was called Generator Communication (GenCo). It needed to be replaced as it was a barrier to entry into the market, had reliability and support issues, and hindered participants from upgrading and maintaining their own systems.

    The dispatch service enhancement project (previously the Electronic Dispatch Facility Phase III project) aims to improve flexibility and resilience of the system for dispatch instructions. We investigated amending the Code to allow for more flexibility for participants to use their own systems and software for dispatch instructions. For example, allowing automated responses and increasing complexity of business models and technologies.

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