Flex solutions - Mt Maunganui GXP

Overview

We invite expressions of interest (EOI) to provide flex solutions during peak demand times for any or all of our substations supplied by the Mt Maunganui Grid Exit Point (GXP). We are interested in both scheduled and on-call flex solutions.

The challenge

We’re forecasting that an additional 25 – 35 MVA load will be required over the next ten years to support anticipated industrial electrification and residential growth in Mt Maunganui and Papamoa. 

Significant network investment is therefore needed to meet customer demand, and we’re investigating whether we can defer some of that investment by having scheduled flex solutions in place to help manage peak demand. 

Further, as customer demand increases we’ll reach a point where we’ll be unable to supply some customers in the event of an outage on key pieces of equipment - such as a substation transformer or subtransmission circuit. That's why we're also seeking on-call flex solutions specifically to reduce the risk of this happening. 

We’re looking for flex solutions that can be in place by December 2027 to leverage for the next 3 – 5 years, or even longer if those solutions can continue to scale up alongside growing demand. 

Reducing peak demand will enable us to invest more cost-effectively for our customers. We’ll also be able to enable electrification more quickly ahead of the longer-term network investments that will increase capacity. 

Our investment plans

To meet forecast demand, the following investments are planned. As the increases include step-change loads the timing of these is uncertain. 

• New substation at Port of Tauranga 
• Upgrade of subtransmission circuits 
• Second transformer at Te Maunga Substation 
• Additional feeder capacity at Omanu, Matapihi and Papamoa substations

Long-term investment plans

• New 110kV substation at Wairakei
• Transfer of load from Papamoa and Te Maunga Substations to Te Matai GXP 

These longer-term investments are outlined in Transpower’s Western Bay of Plenty Development Plan

The opportunity

We invite expressions of interest to provide flex solutions during peak demand times on any or all of our substations shown below. We are interested in both scheduled and on-call flex solutions.  

What we offer

We will pay an agreed fixed fee for scheduled flex.

For on-call solutions, we'll provide a retainer for having the flex solution available to us, with additional remuneration each time it is used.

Our requirements

Minimum load reduction

A minimum 500kVA 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 substations 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

Our preference is for load reduction for the full duration of the demand reduction period. 

Shorter duration offerings will be considered if they can be applied to critical peaks within the demand reduction period. 

Demand reduction periods and capacity 

The interactive map below shows the Powerco substations connected to the Mt Maunganui GXP, and the areas they supply. 

Tips on using the interactive map

• Click on the substation location to view information on number of customer connections and flex solution requirements by 2027.
• Click on the flex response profile graphic for an enlarged view.