Tread softly but carry big gun of virtual separation: Experts to electricity regulator

Tread softly but carry big gun of virtual separation: Experts to electricity regulator
Hydro schemes like Waitaki will become even more important in the future and hold greater market power. (Image: NZME)
Ian Llewellyn
The wholesale electricity market should continue to function with some tweaks, but major players should be watched carefully with regulators looking at a fallback option of "virtual separation", a major Electricity Authority advisory committee says.Since June 2021, the Market Development Advisory Group (MDAG) has been working on how the electricity sector will cope with the increasing use of intermittent generation, such as solar and wind, and the decline of fossil-fuelled power.A number of papers have looked at whether the wholesale...

More Policy

EPA applies to liquidate company on fast-track list
Policy

EPA applies to liquidate company on fast-track list

Energy Farms did not pay costs relating to the application process.

Gregor Thompson 06 Jun 2025
WorkSafe could face big changes if reforms stall
Policy

WorkSafe could face big changes if reforms stall

Workplace safety minister announces big changes, but there could be more to come.

Dileepa Fonseka 03 Jun 2025
Govt announces 'farmer-focused' RMA reforms
Primary Sector

Govt announces 'farmer-focused' RMA reforms

Proposed reforms cover freshwater, farming practice, mining and quarrying.

Pattrick Smellie 29 May 2025
Govt shifting consent priorities towards development
Policy

Govt shifting consent priorities towards development

The Government said it was releasing three discussion documents on the changes.

Oliver Lewis 29 May 2025