Moves to pay more for consumer-generated electricity

The electricity regulator wants households with solar to be paid more for helping the grid when it's stressed. The Electricity Authority is asking for feedback on a proposal from its Energy Competition Task Force set up at the height of last year's energy crisis. Transpower is warning there's an increased risk of very high power prices in 2025 because of a drop in gas forecasts and coal stockpiles. The grid owner says peak capacity risks will persist this year until there is more investment in sources of flexible electricity generation - such as via batteries or 'demand management' when users reduce electricity consumption. The EA's proposal would require lines companies to pay a rebate when consumers supply electricity back to the grid. The complaint up to now from those with solar is they receive less for the electricity they generate, than what they are charged for what they take in off the grid. The authority is taking submissions until March 25. Rewiring Aotearoa chief executive Mike Casey is praising the authority for the move but says it needs to go further. Tracey Kai, chief executive at Electricity Networks Aotearoa, has concerns the move is beneficial to those who can afford solar systems.