Flex solutions – Tahuna security of supply
How to submit your expression of interest
Expressions of interest open: DD MM 2025
Expressions of interest close: 5pm DD MM 2025
Submit your expression of interest here
More information
For more information about this flex opportunity email:
How to submit your expression of interest
Expressions of interest open: DD MM 2025
Expressions of interest close: 5pm DD MM 2025
Submit your expression of interest here
More information
For more information about this flex opportunity email:
How to submit your expression of interest
Expressions of interest open: DD MM 2025
Expressions of interest close: 5pm DD MM 2025
Submit your expression of interest here
More information
For more information about this flex opportunity email:
Overview
We invite expressions of interest (EOI) to provide flex solutions for improving the security of electricity supply to Tahuna, north of Morrinsville.
The challenge
Tahuna substation is supplied by a single circuit 33kV line from Piako GXP. If there is a fault on this line, the area is re-supplied by 11kV lines from Piako and Kerepehi substations. These links are, however, constrained at times when there is peak electricity load. Predicted future growth is expected to exacerbate this, with more people wanting to use power at peak times.
By having flex solutions that can be called upon if there is a fault on the 33kV line, we can not only continue to supply customers but help reduce costs for them by deferring building more capacity on our network.
Our investment plans
To meet forecast demand, the following investments are planned:
- Increased 11kV feeder capacity between Tahuna substation and adjacent Piako and Kerepehi substations. This includes upgrades to existing feeders and additional links between feeders.
- A new substation is under construction at Morrinsville North, which will result in some feeder reconfiguration of the Horrell Rd feeder, with the majority of the feeder being supplied from the new substation.
The opportunity
We invite expressions of interest to provide flex solutions during peak demand times load on the Tahuna substation, Kaihere feeder and a portion of the Horrell Rd feeder.
What we offer
We will pay an agreed retainer for having the flex solution available to us, with additional remuneration each time it is used.
Our requirements
Minimum load reduction
A minimum 300kVA load reduction is required to ensure a flex solution is of sufficient scale to be of use. This can come from one, several, or all of the feeders shown on the map below.
The total load reduction amount can be established over a period of time, but your solution would need to be in place by December 2027.
Duration
Duration requirements are set out in the table below, but we would also consider shorter periods, where these periods aligned with the desired load reduction times, with a minimum of two hours.
Demand reduction periods and capacity
Load reduction would need to be available at the following times:
| Location | Time of year | Time of week | Morning | Load reduction | Evening | Load reduction | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | Finish | Start | Finish | Start | Finish | ||||
| Tahuna Sub | 15 July | 15 May | 7 days | 6.00AM | 9.30AM | 2.0MVA | 3.00PM | 7.00PM | 2.0MVA |
| Kaihere feeder | 15 July | 15 May | 7 days | 6.00AM | 9.30AM | 0.5MVA | 3.00PM | 7.00PM | 0.3MVA |
| Horrell Rd feeder | 15 July | 15 May | 7 days | 6.00AM | 9.30AM | 0.5MVA | 3.00PM | 7.00PM | 0.3MVA |
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Reliability and response times
Powerco will consider a range of response times, with the desired response being sub-five minutes. However, solutions that can respond in up to 15 minutes will also be considered.
A methodology by which response can be measured to ensure compliance will need to be in place.
Capacity roadmap
If you propose scaling up load reduction capacity over a period of time, a roadmap for how you will achieve this will need to be in place. Flex solutions need to be in place by December 2027.
Peak shifting
We will not consider solutions that create a new peak within two hours of the targeted peak.
Technology integration
Depending on the solution, remote monitoring of response may be required.
We use industry standard protocols, and we'll work with you on the specific technology protocols that would support your flex solution.