Enabling investment and innovation

Open networks

Allowing new and more types of competition on distribution networks.

Consumers

Distribution

Innovation

Overview

On 27 July 2021, we decided to amend the Part 1A application process in Part 6 of the Code to include hosting capacity requirements that will apply for a 5-year period from 1 September 2021.

The amendments for this project are designed to better address a range of network congestion issues associated with more distributed generation connecting to distribution networks, particularly to low voltage distribution networks, as evidenced in many international jurisdictions.

Timeline

Past activity

12 October 2021

12 October 2021

Event —

Open networks workshop
27 July 2021
27 July 2021

Decision —

Code amendment
- Improving network capacity to host - decision paper
29 June 2021

29 June 2021

Event —

Open networks hui
18 August - 1 September 2020

18 August - 1 September 2020

Consultation —

Integration of hosting capacity into Part 6 of the Code, sunset clause
View consultation
20 July 2020

20 July 2020

Event —

Open networks forum focusing on standards
15 October - 3 December 2019

15 October - 3 December 2019

Consultation —

Integrating hosting capacity into small-scale distributed generation connections
View consultation
15 October 2019

15 October 2019

Event —

Open networks forum on proposed changes to Part 6 of the Code

Project background

Domestic electricity consumers are increasingly interested in installing small distributed generation units in or on their homes, typically rooftop solar panels and storage battery systems. These systems provide consumers with the ability to supply themselves with electricity using renewable energy sources.

In 2019, the Electricity Authority begun this project to identify ways to facilitate the uptake of this new technology on distribution networks. This project focused on removing any technical or regulatory barriers to the adoption of new technologies to ensure a more secure system which better uses infrastructure to meet consumer demand and expectations.