Assumptions book

Current Assumptions book

Key documents

About our BBC Assumptions Book

Our benefit-based charges (BBC) Assumptions Book is designed to outline the assumptions and detailed methodologies Transpower intends to apply for allocating and adjusting BBCs – calculating starting benefit-based investments (BBIs) customer allocations for post-2019 BBIs and adjusting BBCs. The Assumptions Book covers both standard methods (price-quantity method and resiliency method) and the simple method for calculating starting BBI customer allocations for post-2019 BBIs. We have taken a relatively detailed approach to provide greater (up-front) certainty about how BBCs will be allocated and adjusted under the new TPM. It is a living document that will be updated from time to time.

Additional information

On 12 April 2022, the Electricity Authority (Authority) announced its decision to adopt a new TPM, to take effect in prices for the year commencing 1 April 2023 (Pricing year 2023/24). The Authority’s decision paper and the new TPM are available on its website. The new TPM contains the structural and fundamental aspects of the new transmission pricing regime. It also includes a role for secondary documentation to help ensure consistent and transparent application at an operational level. Under the new TPM’s requirements for BBCs, Transpower must develop, consult on and publish an assumptions book. Where Transpower proposes to depart materially from the assumptions book we will explain and consult on this when we consult on our application of the relevant BBC allocation or adjustment methodology.  We may not deviate from the Assumptions Book in any way that does not comply with the new TPM or wider Code. The assumptions book will be consistent with the TPM and all aspects of the Code.  It is not intended to replicate, and cannot change, the fundamental and structural requirements for allocating or adjusting BBCs, which are specified in the new TPM itself.

Previous Assumption Book determinations

In September 2022 we published the first edition of the benefit-based charges (BBC) Assumptions Book. In early 2023 we consulted on and made minor edits to our first edition.

BBC Assumptions Book v1.1 – March 2023 

Key documents

Consultation process 

On 01 February 2023 we began consulting on a draft update (v1.1), which includes benefit factors in Chapter 5 and corrects some errors in Chapter 2 and 3. On 10 February 2023, we reissued the consultation paper and draft updated Assumption Book to show correct spill paths in the diagram below paragraph 90. This was a minor correction. Due to the impact Cyclone Gabrielle had on some customers, we extended due dates for submissions and cross-submissions by two weeks. Submissions were due by 5pm Monday, 06 March 2023. We did not receive any submissions. Consequently, the cross-submission period was cancelled.

Our consultation package included:

BBC Assumptions Book v1.0 – September 2022 

Key documents 

Consultation process

The consultation period was 4-weeks. Submissions were due by 5pm on Friday, 27 May 2022. This was followed by a 1-week period for cross-submissions. Cross-submissions were due by 5pm on Friday, 3 June 2022. We made changes to the assumptions book as a result of some of the feedback. 

Consultation package

The draft assumptions book consultation package included:

Submissions

Cross-submissions 

Online drop-in session

On Friday, 6 May 2022 at 1:30pm we hosted an online drop-in session. It was an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions and seek clarifications about the consultation and the draft assumptions book itself. The session was recorded and transcribed  for interested parties unable to attend on the day.