Electricity networks are preparing for much greater use of electricity to meet ambitious climate goals, says Graeme
Peters, chief executive of the Electricity Networks Association (ENA).
A comprehensive review of progress towards readiness for widespread electrification of New Zealand’s energy supply and
consumption is being undertaken by the ENA and is well advanced.
The review’s initial findings were presented to electricity industry stakeholders in Wellington last night (April 13).
Speaking at the event, Minister of Energy and Resources Megan Woods said she welcomed the review and its findings two
years on from her first launching ENA’s Network Transformation Roadmap (NTR) and would be looking forward to continuing
to work with the industry as the journey progresses.
“While it is not without its challenges, it is a momentous and exciting time to be involved in the energy sector right
now and I’d like to acknowledge all the important work the Electricity Networks Association is doing as we take
significant steps towards decarbonising our economy.”
The headline conclusion of the review is that the NTR is more relevant than ever, Graeme Peters said.
Decarbonisation will be challenging for all sectors, including the electricity sector as lines networks and their
operations will be transformed to meet future needs of customers and uptake of new technologies during the transition
away from fossil fuels.
“The sector knew it would be a challenge and so it started developing the roadmap in 2017, launching it in 2019 with the
clear stated intent of keeping it under review to ensure it remained fit for purpose and on course,” Peters said.
Since the roadmap was published, the government’s embrace of the Climate Change Commission’s recommendations for the
electrification of transport and the conversion of industrial heat from fossil fuel sources to renewable electricity
have validated the necessity for early planning, he said.
Lines companies – all members of the ENA – have been undertaking critical underpinning projects in preparation for the
upcoming transformation.
Initial projects have included:The development of business models and processes to enable the entry of third-party providers of non-network solutions
to meet the expected capacity networks constraints on Aurora Energy’s Upper Clutha region.Trials undertaken by Vector in Auckland of electric vehicle owners’ preferences and behaviour with respect to charging
their vehicles.Trialling of a low voltage network monitoring device by West Coast-based Westpower which will give the visibility of
network status and performance necessary to cater for increasing complexity and two-way power flows.In the South Island, Powernet is working with EECA and Transpower on a decarbonisation stock take to identify the amount
of potential electrification and engage with customers about their plans.
While the roadmap looked at a range of possible futures and what would be needed to support these, Peters said the
reason the NTR is still pointing in the right direction is that it was underpinned by the core assumption that New
Zealand would transition to a low carbon future.
“All electricity distribution networks are up for the challenge, understand the critical role they have to play and are
working on the areas that are important.”
Keeping finding ways for lines companies to work together and to collaborate with themselves and other industry
stakeholders will be vital to the roadmap’s ultimate success, Peters said.
The two-year review by engineering and strategy consultant Allan Miller – who steered development of the roadmap - is
well underway and due to be published before June 2021.