Unlocking the benefits of battery energy storage systems

We’re working to ensure we have the right regulatory settings in place to unlock the benefits of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and manage any challenges they may present to our power system.

Our work programme is set out in our BESS roadmap.

Battery energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important as New Zealand transitions to a more intermittent and variable power system.

During this transition, BESS will provide opportunities to enhance the resilience of the power system. As well as improving energy security, they also offer financial opportunities for consumers.

While BESSs offer benefits, they can also present challenges for network operators if not managed properly.

We need to ensure we have the right settings to unlock the benefits of BESS while also managing the challenges they bring, as this will affect all aspects of the power system. This will require a collaborative effort across the electricity sector, including regulators and industry bodies.