Updates to Orion online services to meet generation regulatory changes
We have made a number of changes to our online services generation applications to meet new requirements to integrate with The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko registry.
You are now able to apply for 5 different generation capacities through our online application process:
- Generation under 15kW (connect generation limited to export no greater than 15kW)
- Generation over 15kW under 100kW (connect generation limited to export over 15kW but no greater than 100kW)
- Generation over 100kW under 1MW (Connect generation limited to export over 100kW but no greater than 1MW)
- Enquiries for generation over 1MW (Enquiries to connect generation of 1MW)
- Generation connection changes (let us know something has changed with your generation connection)
Due to the Authority's new requirements we are now asking more questions under each generation type.
The available generation types via Online Services are:
- Battery
- Diesel
- Solar
- Solar and Battery
- Vehicle to Grid
- Other (this is where you might wish to apply for wind, or hydro etc)
A major change is that we need to disclose the number of generating units and the number of individual items in these generating units.
Number of generating units
A generating unit is a component or group of components used to produce electricity, and that are capable of injecting electricity into our network. An installation can have more than one generating unit if those units can be electrically isolated from each other and still produce electricity for export to the network.
Number of individual Items in ALL generating units
An item is any component within a generating unit that is used in service of producing electricity that can be injected to Orion’s network. This is the count of these individual items within all generating units. For example; 1 solar array, 1 inverter, 1 battery gives a total of 3 individual items.
Protection settings
We also require you to provide protection settings for the following generation types:
- Diesel
- Solar over 15kW - 1MW
Solar array
A solar array is a collection of multiple solar panels feeding into the same inverter.
Export congestion
We are working on a policy that sets out what happens when there is export congestion on our network. We may need to curtail electricity exported from your generation because the injection of an additional unit of electricity into the distribution network will affect voltage levels (beyond those permitted) or affect the components on our network. This policy will be added to our website once it has been approved and published.
Two-way power tariff
From 1 April 2025, you will be eligible to opt in to our two-way power flow pricing category. This price category provides rebates for electricity you export to our network during periods when demand is highest, typically on weekdays during peak hours.
You must contact your electricity retailer to request this price category change. Your retailer will be able to advise how changing to this tariff may impact your monthly electricity bills. This pricing structure is subject to the terms outlined in our Pricing Policy
