Flex solutions - Waihi Beach 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 Waihi Beach security of supply.
The challenge
Waihi Beach substation supplies about 3,400 customer connections. The area is a mixture of permanent and holiday homes, with peak demands occurring during weekends and holidays. The substation has a peak demand of around 6MVA with the load exceeding 3.5MVA 10% of the time, and above 2.2MVA for more than 50% of the time.
The substation is supplied via a single subtransmission circuit from Waihi substation, located southeast of Waihi township. The primary backup is the 11kV connection (Bowentown feeder) from Kauri Point substation, near Katikati. While this feeder can support 2.2MVA of Waihi sub load, there may be times, such as holiday periods and weekends when electricity use in the area peaks, that we're unable to supply all of the Waihi Beach area.
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 and from portions of the Horrell Rd feeder and Kaihere 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 | |||||
| Tahuna Sub | 15 July | 15 May | 6.00AM | 9.30AM | 2.0MVA | 3.00PM | 7.00PM | 2.0MVA |
| Kahere Feeder | 15 July | 15 May | 6.00AM | 9.30AM | 0.5MVA | 3.00PM | 7.00PM | 0.3MVA |
| Horrell's Rd Feeder | 15 July | 15 May | 6.00AM | 9.30AM | 0.5MVA | 3.00PM | 7.00PM | 0.3MVA |
MAP PLACEHOLDER
Reliability and response times
Powerco will consider a range of response times, with the desired response being sub-five minutes, but solutions that can respond in up-to 30 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.
Peak shifting
Peak reduction measures must avoid the creation of a new peak. We will not consider solutions that increase demand within two hours of the demand reduction period.
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.