Authority approves System Operator’s changes to Policy Statement

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko has approved minor changes to the System Operator’s Policy Statement as a result of the latest regular review. These changes will help ensure the power system remains stable and resilient to shocks whilst minimising disruption to consumers’ electricity supply.

The Policy Statement is a key system operations document which describes the policies and processes the System Operator uses to meet the principal performance obligations in the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (the Code). The Policy Statement is incorporated by reference into the Code, and the System Operator is required to review it every two years.

The approved changes relate to four main areas:

• Security Policy – Risk Management Policies: Introduction of a new credible event classification for groups of generating units, clarifying risk management and reserve procurement processes.
• Security Policy – Emergency Planning: Incorporation of the Low Residual Situations process and requirements for regular review and publication, ensuring transparency in managing insufficient generation and reserve shortfalls.
• Dispatch Policy – Dispatch Schedule: Implementation of tie-breaking rules for generation allocation and clarification of actions when generators are dispatched within or below minimum operating levels.
• Compliance Policy – Asset Capability Information: Addition of direct (grid-connected) consumers and other large (embedded) consumers as a new asset owner type, reflecting the growing need for information on large loads and their Fault Ride Through performance.

The changes will come into effect on 1 October 2026.

View decision paper