Issue 26 - System Operator Newsletter

New market systems

We elected to cancel our proposed December industry forums at which we had intended to discuss particular elements of implementing our new market systems.  The forums were cancelled because it became apparent there would be a delay in the intended implementation of the new systems, until later in 2008.

Our project team is working on a revised delivery schedule which we hope to settle in February.  After that is agreed we will advise you of our new planned implementation expectations.  In the meantime we have spoken to a number of industry participants about the project and the reasons behind the delayed implementation.  We will update those briefings after the revised delivery schedule is settled.

Development, testing, training and transition planning work on the project continues unabated.

National Winter Group 2008

The interim report from the participant group working with us to consider the implications for Winter 2008 in light of the decommissioning of New Plymouth power station and the decommissioning of the Grid Owner’s Pole 1 HVDC has been published.  The report draws attention to some concerns regarding the ability to operate the system in a normal secure state over the winter peaks.  The report is available here - http://www.systemoperator.co.nz/national-winter-group-2008

Also on the Transpower website at http://www.gridnewzealand.co.nz/n933,147.html are a number of reports regarding the Grid Owner’s decision to stand down and, subsequently decommission the Pole 1 assets.

The National Winter Group is now evaluating options to manage the winter security concerns that are highlighted in the group’s interim report.  That work will continue through February and an updated report should be issued by the end of that month. Work on implementing selected options will follow.

Policy statement review for 2008

During February and March we will be undertaking our annual review of the Policy Statement.  We would like to hear about the matters you think we should consider in the review. This can be regard to specific parts of the Policy Statement or in general. 

Any comments, suggests or requests should be sent to Dan Twigg, Risk and Performance Manager.

Contact Dan at dan.twigg@transpower.co.nz or by telephone on 04 495 6915/021 380 123.

We will be arranging meetings in early February with the major generators and distributors to gather their comments directly.

Review of security policy

Last year we made a commitment to undertake a special review of the identification, assessment and assignment of potential credible events section that make up the security policy in the policy statement.  This task comprises part of our 2008 work programme and will be completed, as we committed, during the year.  The results of this review will be incorporated into the 2009 Policy Statement review.  We will be consulting with industry as the how this review of security policy is undertaken with the first stage being a briefing paper about how the review will be approached.

Reserves Management Tool (RMT): availability of industry training

We have recently developed an interactive, one day training session to introduce RMT to our own new operational staff.  We are willing to extend our forthcoming training sessions to include those new to the industry or those who would like to understand the basic concepts of how RMT works and interacts with SPD.  Energy traders or analysts might also be interested.

We are finalising dates for two or three sessions to be held between late February and end March.   Each session is structured in a classroom-like environment with three facilitators and up to 10 participants. Four to six places will likely be available at each session for industry participants.  Further details and a registration form will be available shortly.  Please contact dan.twigg@transpower.co.nz if you are interested and wish to receive further details.