Promoting reliable electricity supply: Frequency-related Code amendment proposals
Consultation
We're seeking feedback on our proposal to amend Part 8 of the Code to address the frequency-related common quality issue, which is described as:
An increasing amount of variable and intermittent resources, primarily in the form of wind and solar photovoltaic generation, is likely to cause more variability in frequency within the ‘normal band’ of 49.8–50.2Hz, which is likely to be exacerbated over time by decreasing system inertia.
We are proposing to:
- lower the 30 megawatt threshold for generating stations to be automatically excluded from being required to comply with aspects of Part 8 of the Code. These are the frequency-related asset owner performance obligations and technical codes
- set a permitted maximum dead band beyond which a generating station must contribute to frequency management and frequency support.
These proposed changes will benefit consumers by:
- promoting a reliable electricity supply by improving frequency stability and reducing the risk of an automatic under-frequency load shedding event
- promoting efficiency by reducing the need for the system operator to procure additional ancillary services, lowering the possibility of future cost increases.
Make a submission
We welcome submissions in Microsoft Word in the format shown in Appendix A to fsr@ea.govt.nz with ’Consultation paper- Frequency-related Code amendment proposals' in the subject line by 5pm, Tuesday 17 June 2025.
If you cannot send your submission electronically, please contact fsr@ea.govt.nz to discuss alternative arrangements.
We will publish all submissions. If you consider that we should not publish any part of your submission, please:
- indicate which part should not be published and explain why, and
- provide a version that we can publish (if we agree not to publish your full submission).
All submissions, including any parts that the Authority does not publish, can be requested under the Official Information Act 1982.