In May we will be running a simulated Industry Exercise with electricity market participants alongside the Electricity Authority. The exercise will simulate a major space weather event.
We're inviting organisations to take part so that, together, we can practise how we manage the impacts on Aotearoa’s power system and minimise any impact on consumers.
Aotearoa has experienced several solar storms over the past two years. Each event has reinforced the value of preparation and collaboration across Transpower, the electricity sector, NEMA and scientific experts here and overseas. This mahi has helped position New Zealand as a leader in solar storm readiness.
Like years previous, the Industry Exercise is an important chance for all generators, lines companies, direct connect industrial customers and retailers to:
- practise your operations and communications processes in a safe, structured environment, and test they meet the Consumer Care Obligations
- build familiarity with System Operator processes and communications, and practise communications with the System Operator, other market participants, public agencies, customers and key stakeholders.
- identify opportunities to strengthen how we work together during a major power system event
Key dates
- 5 March - webinar on space weather and its potential impacts
- 12 May - pre‑briefing on processes and expectations.
- 20-21 May - simulated exercise.
Register
Register your team using our online form.
We look forward to working with industry to make sure we are well prepared, can respond effectively together during a major event, and can minimise any impact on New Zealanders.
For any questions, please contact [email protected]
5 March webinar
We held a preparatory webinar with exercise participants to focus on the basics of space weather and its potential impacts.
Speakers from Transpower, the Electricity Authority and National Emergency Management Agency provided an overview of:
- space weather and how it affects the electricity system
- operations and communications during a major event
- the Consumer Care Obligations and how as an industry we can collectively ensure electricity customers continue to receive the best possible service.
This information will help underpin the exercise in May when industry will simulate a major space weather event.
A recording of the webinar is available to watch below.
Our presentation slides are also available to view and download here.
You can still register!
There is still time for electricity market participants to register for Industry Exercise 2026 and we encourage all participants to get involved. It is an important opportunity to practise and test how you would respond to a major unexpected power system event.
Register using the link above.