Commissioning Generation
Are you building a new generation asset and want to commission generation? Before you are ready to connect to the power system, whether via Transpower's grid or a local distribution network, make sure you are aware of your obligations to Transpower as a Grid Owner.
Once you have completed the steps mentioned in the links above, you need to engage with Transpower in its role as System Operator to commission generation. We recommend allowing at least 12 months for this process from when you first complete your preliminary milestones (mentioned in the Feasibility section below) to your planned commissioning date.
We have prepared this webpage to guide you through the key steps involved in connecting a new asset to our power system. However, if you are doing routine maintenance or are upgrading an existing asset, the process will likely be simpler than what is outlined below, as you will not need to repeat all of the activities. Nonetheless, we recommend you become familiar with the whole process so you have a sense of the requirements, what we expect, and how we can best work together to serve your needs.
If you are familiar with our process and are ready to initiate a commissioning project, click here to access our initiation form.
Your Code Obligations
As outlined on our Connect to the Power System webpage, the Code obligations you have depend on the size of your asset. Here are some guidelines:
| Unit size less than 1 MW | You don’t have obligations under the Code, so you don’t need to engage the System Operator. |
|---|---|
| Station size 1 MW to <10 MW | You must register an Asset Capability Statement through our Operations Customer Portal; we will inform you if you have further obligations. |
| Station size 10 MW to 30 MW | You must register an Asset Capability Statement through our Operations Customer Portal and will have some Asset Owner Performance Obligations (AOPOs) identified in the Code. For example, you are required to send SCADA indications to the System Operator and must set up market offering and dispatch systems. |
| Station size ≥30 MW | You must register an Asset Capability Statement through our Operations Customer Portal and will have many Asset Owner Performance Obligations identified in the Code, including the obligation to send SCADA indications, and set up market offering and dispatch systems. |
Always consult the latest version of the Code for your obligations. You can also find more information about market offer and dispatch processes in Workstream D of the Generation Connection Guide and Transpower's Dispatch Policy.
Our Commissioning Process
Watch the video animation below to get a sense of the commissioning process as a whole.
The Six Phases of Commissioning
Our commissioning process can be broken down into six phases. Find below a 'big picture' view of this process and the documents that we have prepared to assist you through the various phases.
Our GL-EA-404 Generation Commissioning Process document provides an overview of the process as a whole and how each phase flows into the next. It also provides a clear indication of all the timings involved in the process. For a more detailed look at each of phase, click on the phases below to reveal a summary of what activities to expect and links to the documents you should consult.
- Feasibility
The feasibility phase is when you gather foundational information about your proposed commissioning project to help prove that it is viable. It is also the time to become familiar with how the New Zealand electricity market operates. As soon as your application has been approved by the Grid or Distributor (whichever your asset is connecting to), you should begin working on the feasibility milestones that we have collated for you in the first section of the GL-EA-404 Generation Commissioning Process document. These milestones include confirming land, consents and finances, among others.
Once you have met the above milestones, please use this form to initiate a generation commissioning project with the System Operator.
Document What is it for? Generation Connection Guide Provides a comprehensive overview of the connection, commissioning, registration, and dispatch processes for new generation assets. GL-EA-959 Asset Capability Statement Information Overview Explains the requirements for completing your Asset Capability Statements (ACS). UG-SD-961 ACS Asset Owner User Guide Provides support for how to use our ACS tool. Commissioning Generation Initiation Form Form to use to signal to the System Operator that you are ready to formally begin the commissioning generation process. - Initiation
After you have confirmed completion of your feasibility milestones through the form in the Feasibility section, the initiation phase can begin. During this phase, the System Operator will organise internal resources to support your commissioning project in the upcoming phases. While this happens, you are responsible for gathering more information about your project, so that you can share it with us.
The System Operator will contact you to organise your project's kick-off meeting.
Document What is it for? DT-EA-1146 Kick-off Meeting Minutes Template Provides a structure for the kick-off meeting and the wider commissioning project as a whole. CL-EA-1147 Final Compliance Checksheet Spreadsheet that lists the Code obligations that your asset must comply with and provides space for evidence that demonstrates compliance. FM-SD-547 Three Letter Site Code Request Form Form to request a 3-letter site code for your power station. Standard Site Abbreviations Spreadsheet that lists the 3-letter site codes used across the country. - Planning
The planning phase involves you collaborating with the System Operator to agree on scope, timelines and the approach of your commissioning project. Our role here is to support you to form a realistic path forward, and your role is to share your sequence of activities and prepare to meet all your Code obligations. This is also the time to understand your market and dispatch obligations and begin preparing your systems to meet these.
The key deliverable of the planning phase is the agreement of a project plan.
Document What is it for? GL-EA-953 Connection Study Requirements for Connecting a New Generating Station Details the technical studies needed to demonstrate your asset can meet your AOPOs (Asset Owner Performance Obligations) GL-EA-716 Power Plant Dynamic Model Validation and Submission Prerequisites Details the requirements for developing and submitting mathematical models of your asset to us. GL-EA-959 Asset Capability Information Overview Explains the requirements for completing your Asset Capability Statements. Ancillary services Provides information about ancillary services that Transpower procures to maintain grid stability and reliability. Procurement Plan Details the contractual requirements for ancillary services. - Delivery
The delivery phase is when you perform all required compliance activities to get ready for commissioning. Your role here is to ensure your project complies with all Code obligations and to communicate key data to the System Operator. Our role is to use the information you provide to prepare our market and power system tools ready to allow you to trade in the NZ electricity market.
The deliverables for this phase include a Code commissioning plan, an engineering methodology, a connection study report, a pre-commissioning ACS and operational test plans.
Document What is it for? DT-EA-338 Code Commissioning Plan Template Template to help you structure your Code commissioning plan. GL-EA-010 Generator Testing Requirements Details requirements for demonstrating the performance and limitations of your asset through testing. GL-EA-959 Asset Capability Information Overview Explains the requirements for completing your Asset Capability Statements. GL-EA-789 Interim Guideline for Connection of New Generation Technology Provides guidance on connecting new generation technologies to the power system and wholesale market. GL-SD-1045 Market Dispatch Integration - ICCP and Web Services Guideline Provides detail about Web Services and ICCP interfaces for market dispatch. GL-EA-953 Connection Study Requirements for Connecting a New Generating Station Details the technical studies needed to demonstrate your asset can meet your AOPOs (Asset Owner Performance Obligations) GL-EA-716 Power Plant Dynamic Model Validation and Submission Prerequisites Details the requirements for developing and submitting mathematical models of your asset to us - you must validate these in closeout. New Zealand Grid Zone Map Map showing power stations, substations and grid zone boundaries across New Zealand. FM-EA-008 Generator Notice of Initial Offer Form to notify the System Operator of your intention to offer electricity to the market. FM-EA-006 Notice of intention to Connect Form to register your intent to connect your asset to the power system. PR-EA-010 Planned and Urgent Asset Testing Describes how your test plans are managed within the System Operator. FM-EA-010 Test Plan Template for providing the System Operator with details of specific tests to be conducted during commissioning. - Commissioning
The commissioning phase is when you connect your asset to the power system and test its performance to demonstrate you meet Code obligations. Your role is to follow all agreed Code commissioning documents, while our role is to assess your results and manage risk for the duration of testing.
You should perform all tests during the commissioning period as agreed in your Code commissioning plan and other compliance documents.
Document What is it for? FM-EA-010 Test Plan Template for providing the System Operator with details of specific tests to be conducted during commissioning. - Closeout
The closeout phase is when sufficient testing has been done to call an end to the Code Commissioning Period. Your role is to support the transition by providing all test results and updated models for validation, then submitting your commissioning checksheet for System Operator review. You then maintain the responsibility to meet all Code obligations going forward, until you decommission the asset. The System Operator’s role is to undergo a compliance check and verify that your asset does not add any risk to the New Zealand power system beyond the end of the commissioning period.
The key deliverables for this phase are a 'final' ACS, final test reports and data, validated power system models, and a submitted compliance checksheet.
Document What is it for? GL-EA-716 Power Plant Dynamic Model Validation and Submission Prerequisites Details the requirements for developing and submitting mathematical models of your asset to us. GL-EA-959 Asset Capability Information Overview Explains the requirements for completing your Asset Capability Statements. CL-EA-1147 Final Compliance Checksheet Spreadsheet that lists the Code obligations that your asset must comply with and provides space for evidence that demonstrates compliance.
If you have questions about the process, we have compiled a series of frequently asked questions and answers based on what previous Asset Owners have enquired about. If none of our sources answer your questions, please reach out to [email protected].
Key Reminders
- Keep the Code handy throughout. You are responsible for understanding your obligations and fulfilling them.
- Engage with the System Operator early throughout the process. We have many commissioning projects underway at any one time, so the more time and grace you give us with your requests, the better prepared we will be to support you.