To connect to New Zealand's power system (either directly to Transpower's grid or to an embedded network), you may need to securely provide real-time operational data to Transpower. This data exchange enables the safe and reliable operation of the power system in accordance with the Electricity Industry Participation Code. Our webpage below covers essential information you need to know, as well as the key activities involved in this workstream.
Applicability
Generating Asset Owners
This workstream applies to all new generating assets and existing assets undergoing upgrades connecting directly to Transpower's grid with an output above 1 MW. If you are connecting to a distribution network instead, you must undertake the activities in this workstream if your generating asset has an output capacity above 10 MW. Refer to the Code for an explicit breakdown of your obligations.
Load Participants
Load participants interested in providing the instantaneous reserve ancillary service as interruptible load need to undertake this workstream to ensure they can respond to dispatch requests from the System Operator. You can offer dispatch through ICCP or Web Services. If you choose ICCP, be aware that the setup has a long lead-time, so we recommend triggering the process (using this form) in the early stages of the work required to demonstrate your load's capability.
What is involved?
This workstream focuses on establishing secure, real-time operational data exchange between Transpower and your generating asset or load. Setting up this exchange capability ensures you can meet your Code obligations related to the provision of measurements, indications, and responding to dispatch notices. We enable this through the following activities:
- Establishing a secure and resilient communications path, which typically includes a telecommunications provider connecting fibre or otherwise-managed telecommunications, the installation of network equipment like routers, then delivering ongoing services.
- Installing and co-ordinating your supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system with Transpower's so that they can securely share required telemetry information.
- Utilising industry-standard Inter-Control Communication Centre Protocol (ICCP) for the above operational exchanges; ICCP has several advantages:
- It provides centralised, server-to-server architecture for efficiency and scalability.
- It maintains modern grid and cyber standards of security.
- It facilitates compliance with Code obligations.
- It ensures data exchanges between Transpower and all other parties are consistent.
- It futureproofs commercial and operational processes.
- Setting up and testing dispatch systems; connected parties can opt to receive and respond to dispatch notifications via ICCP or Web Services.
To learn more, read through the activities listed in Workstream B of the GL-SD-1343 Generation Connection Guide. A dataset template for the above indication and measurements is available in the following template document.
For more information on generation dispatch and offers, see this webpage.
The diagrams below illustrate the data exchange between connected party assets and Transpower's.
Process Overview
- Commencement
To begin, read about the end-to-end process in Workstream B of the Generation Connection Guide, which covers details such as costs and expected timings. If you are building a new generating asset, you will need to have firmed up key site aspects and redundancy options before engaging with Transpower in this workstream.
Once ready, submit a request through our Form. We will get in touch to discuss the communication solution right for your circumstances.
- Connection Feasibility and Delivery
If your connection solution requires new ICCP infrastructure to be built or if it requires changing an existing 'legacy' infrastructure to ICCP, you will need to partake in this part of the process. Transpower co-ordinates with a telecommunications provider on your behalf to undergo a connectivity feasibility study, then install network equipment at agreed locations.
If you already have a planned commissioning date, note that this phase is a long-lead item, so we recommend allowing at least 12 months to perform the required activities. The next phase (Dataset Delivery) may be carried out in parallel.
If you opt to use existing ICCP infrastructure, this phase can largely be skipped.
- Dataset Delivery
In parallel with delivering your connection (in the Connection Delivery phase), we collaborate with you to confirm the operational dataset defining what information is to be exchanged between you and Transpower. This will include measurements, indications, and potentially dispatch-related data (if you opt to use ICCP as your dispatch protocol, instead of Web Services). Once agreed, Transpower builds your asset into our SCADA systems. You must also configure your own SCADA system with the dataset. This is essential to ensure that your data integrates with our monitoring tools and system models.
- Connection Validation
With both previous phases complete, the operational data link must be validated point-by-point and migrated into Transpower's real-time environment. You will also need to sign an ICCP interconnection agreement. Successful completion of this phase is a pre-requisite for the generation commissioning project to progress into Commissioning phase.
- Ongoing Operation
Once you are electrically connected to the power system, you must exchange operational data and communication as indicated by your Code obligations.
If you schedule a planned application outage, you must inform Transpower at least three weeks before any such outage lasting longer than a few minutes. Do this by submitting a test plan form to [email protected]. For application outages shorter than a few minutes, email:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected] (only if dispatch is involved)
If your planned outage involves data changes, inform the Customer Services team: [email protected]