Issue 42 - System Operator Newsletter

Security of Supply

Since assuming responsibility for the provision of information and short to medium term forecasting security of supply we have settled into providing current information on our website under the Security of Supply Tab, this includes the publication of the weekly updates. Readers can subscribe to the weekly update.

A new set of hydro risk curves were published in late January, incorporating revised information from generators. The input assumptions are also available of our website.

We have also published the next Annual Security Assessment and are currently seeking comment by 4 March 2011.

As required by the Code the System Operator must review the Emergency Management Policy (EMP) this year.  The EMP relies on information published in accord with the Security of Supply Forecasting and Information Policy (SOSFIP).  The System Operator intends to review both policies concurrently and expects to publish draft, revised, policies for comment in May.

Under Frequency Management (UFM)

The System Operator and the Electricity Authority are establishing a project to review the Under Frequency Management (UFM) arrangements.

This project has been set up in view of the recommendations made from the AUFLS technical review to re-evaluate the way reserves are procured and utilised, and to determine the optimal AUFLS arrangements.  The UFM project will focus on reviewing current under frequency management products, operating practices, and frequency standards to ensure their appropriateness and optimality. Under frequency management products that we are assessing include reserves, AUFLS, and asset owner obligations. The ongoing AUFLS work has also been incorporated into the UFM project.

We have undergone an initial scoping of the project and are inviting comments from the Electricity Authority and industry participants on the project brief released on 28 January 2011.  A copy of the brief is also available on the Under Frequency Management Project page under the Market Section of our website. 

Please submit comments by 25 February 2011. We will review and consolidate the feedback received, and publish the final document in March 2011.

For more information on this project go to the Under Frequency Management Project page on our website.  Comments or other enquiries should be sent directly to airin.alamsjah@transpower.co.nz.

SFT Update

SFT is on track for use in planning time on 23 February and for implementation in the 10am trading period on 28 March 2011.  A Customer Advice Notice has been sent to participants updating them about the commencement date and what to expect from the schedules leading up to the go-live trading period.

A small number of participants have registered to attend a workshop on the SFT software following our request for expressions of interest on 31 January 2011.  We intend to hold the workshop in Wellington in early April.  Participants who expressed interest will be contacted directly.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants who have participated in the project and taken an interest in the implementation of this new software.