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Paralleling Grid Exit Points

Parallel connections can impact the achievement of the System Operators’ PPOs, the Grid Owners’ AOPOs, and the operation of protection systems. The Grid Owner and System Operator, in conjunction with Distributors, need to assess the impact of parallel connections to identify any risks, and plan to mitigate these as required. The Electricity Industry Participation Code (the 'Code') set a number of requirements that are to be meet by Asset Owners relating to paralleling Grid Exit Points.

Asset Owners must apply to the System Operator to parallel GXPs at least 8 weeks before the paralleling is planned to occur. This allows enough time for the Grid Owner and System Operator to assess the application. Approved applications are valid for 2 years.

The System Operator also needs to be notified the day before paralleling is planned to occur. This allows the System Operator time to confirm that the parallel connection will not be adversely affected by the expected system conditions i.e. planned outages and scheduled generation.

In real-time the Distributor will then co-ordinate the parallel switching through the Regional Operating Centre. Before agreement to proceed is given, the proposed paralleling will need to adhere to any conditions given in the Grid Owner/ Distributor agreement as detailed in the register of agreements.

We are presently reviewing our interim documentation on this process. While this is underway please contact Grant Tuffery at Transpower (phone 04 495 7000) regarding any application for paralleling GXPs.

Interim Documentation

Guideline for Parallel Grid Exit Point Connection [757kB]

Process for Assessment of Parallel Grid Exit Point Applications [792kB]

Consultation Summary for Parallel GXP's Technical Guidelines [18kB]

Paralleling Grid Exit Points [108kB]