Enabling investment and innovation
Providing extended reserves using AUFLS
How electricity distributors and direct connect consumers provide extended reserve using automatic under-frequency load shedding.
Overview
Following the system operator’s consultation, we approved the final version of the AUFLS Technical Requirements. The decision on the extended reserves Code amendment was published on 16 August 2021 and came into force on 21 December 2021.
Project timeline
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16 November 2021
Decision —Approval of the AUFLS technical requirements
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17 August 2021
Decision —Amend the Code to enable the AUFLS provision to transition to the 4-block scheme
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29 April 2021
Event —Proposed extended reserve Code amendment
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14 January 2020
Development —Draft data specification for historic AUFLS demand data
Project background
Automatic under-frequency load shedding or AUFLS is a crucial part of the grid that ensures it won't collapse if the frequency drops below 48Hz. The normal operating frequency is 50Hz.
AUFLS comprises of blocks of load that can be automatically cut-off in the event that the frequency drops below 48Hz and is currently the only type of extended reserves product in use.
This project proposed to change how participants provide extended reserves in the North Island using AUFLS in order to deliver a more flexible and resilient electricity system that reduces the likelihood of national power cuts.
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