Future Networks Forum: Innovation Forum

09:30 – 10:00 

Registration and morning tea

10:00 – 10:20 

Opening karakia and welcome from the FNF Co-Chairs plus update on FNF progress [20m]

FNF Co-Chairs

James Tipping 

GM Market Strategy & Regulation, Vector 

Sam Elder 

GM Energy Futures, Orion 

10:20 – 10:30

ENA update [10m]

Richard Le Gros

Policy & Innovation Manager, ENA

10:30 – 11:15 

Electricity Authority Power Innovation Pathway [45m]

An update on the Power Innovation Pathway, the Authority’s ‘open front door’ for innovators wanting easy access to regulatory information and support to bring fresh ideas to market faster. We will provide an overview of the applications received, learnings to date and the projects we will be supporting. 

Jono Barnard  

Power Innovation Pathway Manager, Electricity Authority  

11:15 - 12:00

Commerce Commission INTSA guidance [45m] 

The Commission will provide an overview of the DPP4 Innovation and Non-Traditional Solutions Allowance criteria and discuss the associated guidance document it will release prior to the start of DPP4. There will also be an opportunity for a question-and-answer session on the intended operation of the allowance 

Ben Woodham  

Electricity Distribution Manager, Commerce Commission  

Peter Hunter  

Senior Analyst – Electricity Distribution, Commerce Commission 

12:00 - 13:00

Lunch [60m]

13:00 – 13:45

EECA presentation [45m]

This session will cover a brief outline of EECA’s scaled demand flexibility pilots (residential and industrial). It will also cover a brief update of the EECA and MBIE work on smart EV charger regulation.  

Brian Fitzgerald  

Technical Lead, EECA 

Kanchana Marasinghe 

Innovation Portfolio Manager, EECA 

13:45 - 14:45

Flexibility Markets and Services Panel  [60m]

Join industry leaders as they explore how flexibility markets and services are reshaping New Zealand's electricity sector. This dynamic panel brings together perspectives from Distribution, Retail, and Technology providers to discuss creating customer value, overcoming regulatory challenges, and unlocking new opportunities in our evolving energy landscape.

Afternoon tea  [30m]

Energy Queensland will share an overview and early insights from their work on Local Renewable Energy Zones (LREZ) and Community Battery programme. [60m]

Energy Queensland have a programme to support the renewable energy transition in Queensland with the scaled deployment of batteries, delivery of Distribution System Operator least regrets options with the aim of reducing barriers to increased solar and EV uptake by Queensland customers.   Currently Energy Queensland are deploying 50 High Voltage and 200 Low Voltage connected batteries across the state.  

Glenn Dahlenburg will present on the key lessons learned from the battery deployment and Glenn Springall will be available to discuss the least regrets DSO enablers such as how Dynamic Connections and DERMS are enabling higher levels of PV and EV adoption.

Glenn Dahlenburg 

General Manager Energy Storage, Energy Queensland 

Glenn Springall 

General Manager Renewables and Distributed Energy, Energy Queensland 

Spotlight on Innovation: Energy Transition and Network Transformation [30m]

This 30-minute session features 6 x 5-minute pitches from EDB representatives. This is an open floor for participants to share or pitch initiatives related to energy transition and network transformation that they have completed, are currently undertaking, or are planning. Speakers should highlight their project insights, and outcomes, answering the critical question: “So what?” – what does this initiative mean for other EDBs? 

TBC

16:45 - 17:00

Wrap-up and closing karakia from the FNF Co-Chairs [15m]

James Tipping 

GM Market Strategy & Regulation, Vector 

Sam Elder 

GM Energy Futures, Orion 

17:00 onwards  

Event close and social catch-up at Flamingo Joes in Central Wellington

08:30 – 08:50

Registration

8:50 – 9:10

Opening karakia and welcome from the FNF Co-Chairs [20m]

FNF Co-Chairs

James Tipping 

GM Market Strategy & Regulation, Vector 

Sam Elder 

GM Energy Futures, Orion 

9:10 – 9:35

Reflections on yesterday [25m]

FNF Co-Chairs

9:35 – 10:35

NTR review [60m]

Co-creating a step change in the scale and pace of network transformation, leveraging INTSA and the FNF. 

FNF Co-Chairs

10:35 – 11:00

Morning tea [25m]

11:00 – 11:20

ENA Common Load Management Protocol Project [20m] 

This session will give a quick update and Q&A on the FNF project to develop a common Load Management Protocol for use by EDBs and retailers

Richard Le Gros  

Policy & Innovation Manager, ENA 

11:20 - 11:40

Connections Journey Mapping project update and check in [20m]   

Update of the project and highlight over the EA & EEA updates and launch of the 5 quick win deliverables with next steps 

Jamie Silk

Director, Silk Advisory and Innovation Ltd

11:40 - 12:40

Capabilities, Roles and Functions [60m] 

Stage 2 of this project focuses on DSO models and industry architecture to enable distributed flexibility. The output of this stage is a DSO models report which will be published in mid-April. 

During this session, Baringa will provide an update on the draft report and attendees will have an opportunity to discuss and provide feedback.  

Evie Trolove 

Head of Market & Customer Innovation, Orion 

12:40 - 13:00

Customer Segmentation project update and check in [20m] 

Anca Cernic 

Customer Insights Manager, Vector 

13:00 - 13:10 

Wrap-up and closing karakia [20m]

FNF Co-Chairs 

13:10 – 14:10

Lunch [60m]