INDEPENDENT NEWS

Paper released on investment in generation

Published: Wed 26 Apr 2006 01:08 PM
26 April 2006
Media Statement by Acting Energy Minister Trevor Mallard
Discussion paper proposals aim to increase investment in generation
Acting Energy Minister Trevor Mallard today announced the release of a discussion paper looking at options to encourage electricity lines companies to make increased investment in generation.
Investment in Electricity Generation by Lines Companies, drafted by the Ministry of Economic Development, considers a number of changes to the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 (EIRA) – which enforced separation of ownership of electricity lines and supply businesses, with limited exceptions.
"This is not a full-scale review of the current legislation. But it's likely that there are a number of things we can do to get better coordination between electricity lines and generation operations, in this way increasing the efficiency of the overall electricity market, and the opportunity for lines businesses to invest in generation," Trevor Mallard said.
The options canvassed in the discussion paper include allowing lines companies to trade in electricity hedges, relaxing some arms-length separation rules for lines companies involved in generation, and clarifying parts of the Act to help reduce uncertainties about how the legislation is applied in practice.
"These options could potentially help create a better environment for much-needed investment in generation. However, it's also important that we balance any changes against the risk of lessening competition in the electricity market."
This discussion paper follows an earlier round of consultation in March last year, which sought industry views on the specific issue of allowing lines companies to trade in electricity hedges. During consultation on that paper, stakeholders raised a number of other options, and a decision was made to run a further round of consultation, including additional options.
Submissions on the discussion paper are welcomed by 25 May 2006.
The discussion paper can be found on the Ministry of Economic Development website at www.med.govt.nz/electricity/generation-investment/
ENDS

Next in New Zealand politics

Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
By: New Zealand Government
GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan
By: New Zealand Government
New Zealand Provides Further Humanitarian Support To Gaza And The West Bank
By: New Zealand Government
High Court Judge Appointed
By: New Zealand Government
Parliamentary Network Breached By The PRC
By: New Zealand Government
Tax Cuts Now Even More Irresponsible
By: New Zealand Labour Party
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media