New Zealand’s Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko has announced new rules that will allow more electricity from solar energy systems to be supplied to local networks.
The Authority is updating rules to make ‘export limits’ more efficient. Currently, the amount of electricity that residential solar and battery users can feed into the grid is often capped below what is needed. This constraint has frequently led the grid to rely on more expensive energy sources rather than use cheaper, locally generated power.
Under the new regulatory changes, lines companies will be required to set a default export limit of 10kW for straightforward, small-scale systems like residential solar and battery setups.
“Currently about 75,000 households with solar, and more than 14,700 of those with batteries, can feed into local networks,” said Authority General Manager Networks and System Change, Tim Sparks.
“These new rules will ensure all lines companies are setting at least 10kW limits for residential connections where they can – although this won’t be possible everywhere on networks.”
To ensure the system remains future-proof, the Authority is also introducing the option for dynamic or flexible export limits. This will allow lines companies to adjust export thresholds above or below the 10kW mark in real-time based on network conditions, rather than relying on a static, lower limit.
This flexibility paves the way for smarter technologies, such as vehicle-to-grid charging, where electric vehicle batteries can return power to the network.
For larger-scale installations, such as wind and solar farms exceeding 10kW, the new rules establish a nationally consistent and transparent framework. Industry participants will be required to develop standardised assessment tools to streamline connections across all 29 lines companies.
“This will standardise the approach across each of the 29 lines companies and streamline the process for those connecting larger distributed generation to networks.
“It could also encourage the installation of larger systems, as people will be clearer from the outset about their potential return on investment for exporting electricity,” Sparks said.
The 10kW default limit for residential connections is scheduled to take effect next month, with the remaining changes phased in through to mid-October.
This initiative is part of a broader push to improve network efficiency, lower consumer costs, and enhance the overall security and resilience of the electricity supply.
