Connected Asset Commissioning, Testing and Information Standard (CACTIS)

Transpower, in its role as System Operator, maintains the Connected Asset Commissioning, Testing and Information Standard (CACTIS), which has been approved by the Electricity Authority. The CACTIS specifies the technical requirements related to asset capability information, commissioning, modelling, testing, and operational communications. The Authority is consulting on a proposal to incorporate CACTIS by reference into the Electricity Industry Participation Code (the Code). Subject to feedback received, the Authority intends for the CACTIS to take effect through the Code from 1 July 2026. 

The CACTIS will apply to asset owners connecting new assets to the power system or modifying existing connected assets, including:

• Generation
• Batteries
• Loads
• Other connected assets subject to Code obligations

The purpose of the CACTIS is to ensure the System Operator has reliable, timely, and consistent information about connected assets, enabling the safe, secure and efficient operation of the power system. Asset owners should refer to both the Code and the CACTIS to understand the particular obligations that apply to them.

The latest version of the CACTIS is available here. 

The CACTIS is subject to a biennial review cycle, as required under the Code. These reviews are conducted Transpower. The next review is scheduled for 2028.

Legacy Clause Provisions

Some asset owners may be eligible for their assets to be grandfathered under new legacy clause provisions that exempt them from complying with parts of the new obligations. The Part 8 Code amendment decisions released in March 2026 set out eligibility criteria for legacy clause provisions. Owners of generating stations that meet the criteria must update their asset capability statement (ACS) to record the application of any legacy clause provision. To do this, download and fill out our Legacy Status Note template, then upload it to the ACS application along with any supporting material.

Additionally, asset owners of in-flight commissioning projects above 10 MW that connect to the power system between 1 July 2026 and 1 July 2027 may also be eligible to be grandfathered, provided they meet further project feasibility criteria outlined in the frequency, voltage, and CACTIS decision papers. Asset owners must indicate their eligibility by filling out the application form so that the System Operator may assess eligibility.

The deadline to update your ACS with the Legacy Status Note and submit the above application form is 1 August 2026.

The Code mandates that we maintain a list of generating stations qualifying for the legacy clause provisions. This list includes existing stations connected before 1 July 2026 that are unable to meet the new requirements, and generating stations that meet the prescribed criteria and connect to the power system before 1 July 2027. Once available, the list will be published here.

_{Note: Once a generating station qualified for legacy clause provisions, those provisions may cease to apply if the asset is materially changed. If the generating station's output changes by more than 5 MW (e.g. via an upgrade or modification), the legacy clause provisions related to frequency and voltage obligations will no longer apply. Additionally, the legacy clause provision related to the CACTIS will no longer apply if there is a 5% change in MW rating, or frequency response curve for 100ms or longer, or voltage response curve for 100ms or longer. See the above decision papers for more detail.}

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