Latest news with #JohnSmall
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Energy Competition Task Force Roadmap To Reward Industrial Demand Flexibility
Press Release – Electricity Authority The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority) is seeking feedback on an industrial demand flexibility issues and options paper that sets out the vision and roadmap. The paper seeks input into how best to unlock more industrial demand flexibility. The Energy Competition Task Force (the Task Force) has today set out its proposed vision and roadmap for unlocking industrial demand flexibility. The aim is to better support electricity market reliability and benefit consumers by promoting a competitive, reliable, and efficient electricity industry. The Task Force has also released an update paper on its power purchase agreements (PPAs) work to support more new intermittent generation development, such as wind and solar. Industrial demand flexibility The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority) is seeking feedback on an industrial demand flexibility issues and options paper that sets out the vision and roadmap. The paper seeks input into how best to unlock more industrial demand flexibility. This could include payments to industrial consumers to reduce demand for short periods, where this is efficient and is likely to deliver long-term benefit for consumers. The roadmap proposes 11 actions to better incentivise short-term flexibility in the electricity market from industrial consumers to support both reliability and competition. 'The need for flexibility in our electricity system is becoming increasingly important as the level of intermittent generation – such as from solar and wind – increases and thermal generation declines,' says Commerce Commission Chair and Task Force member, Dr John Small. 'Currently, bigger electricity users might adjust their demand to avoid paying high costs for energy, but we believe in certain circumstances it may be appropriate to pay them to provide that flexibility. This could help these consumers to plan and invest with more certainty, while also supporting electricity supply reliability for the longer term,' says Small. Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko Chair and Task Force member Anna Kominik says: 'Industrial demand flexibility can be particularly useful during times of very high demand and tight supply, such as winter mornings and in the evenings. Its potential is expected to grow over time, including as new industrials come online, such as new industries and data centres particularly those optimised for this form of flexibility. 'We know that electricity supply is currently very tight, so we've identified two actions that could be in place ahead of winter 2026. We'll shortly seek input from stakeholders on a proposed Emergency Reserve Scheme and intend to set up an industry co-design group process to develop a standardised tradeable product for industrial demand flexibility. 'We are proposing nine further actions over the next five years to help lay the foundations for efficient use of demand flexibility across the electricity system – and we're interested to hear stakeholder views on these,' said Kominik. Power purchase agreements The Task Force has considered submitters' feedback and determined that its initial proposal to allocate firming for PPAs is not the best way to encourage investment in new power generation projects. The Task Force has identified this option risks distortions to efficient market operations, which could negatively impact investment in new generation and lead to higher prices for consumers in the long term. Instead, the Task Force considers access to firming is best addressed via ongoing work on standardised flexibility products and the proposed level playing field measures (particularly the non-discrimination obligations), as well as complementary initiatives to encourage PPAs. These options enable new investment without the risks associated with allocation. This new approach is set out in an update paper. Visit the Task Force webpage for more information about both papers and details on how to have your say on the industrial demand flexibility consultation. Notes: About the Energy Competition Task Force The Energy Competition Task Force was established by the Commerce Commission Te Komihana Tauhokohoko and Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko in August 2024 to investigate ways to improve the performance of the electricity market. The Task Force has been considering eight initiatives that will encourage more and faster investment in new electricity generation, boost competition, enable homes, businesses and industrials to better manage their own electricity use and costs, and put downward pressure on prices. Firming Firming refers to technology used to store and release intermittent energy, usually either hydro storage or batteries. PPAs PPAs are long-term contracts to support generation. They can provide a route to market for entrant generators and an alternative procurement option for electricity buyers or traders.
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Energy Competition Task Force Roadmap To Reward Industrial Demand Flexibility
The Energy Competition Task Force (the Task Force) has today set out its proposed vision and roadmap for unlocking industrial demand flexibility. The aim is to better support electricity market reliability and benefit consumers by promoting a competitive, reliable, and efficient electricity industry. The Task Force has also released an update paper on its power purchase agreements (PPAs) work to support more new intermittent generation development, such as wind and solar. Industrial demand flexibility The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority) is seeking feedback on an industrial demand flexibility issues and options paper that sets out the vision and roadmap. The paper seeks input into how best to unlock more industrial demand flexibility. This could include payments to industrial consumers to reduce demand for short periods, where this is efficient and is likely to deliver long-term benefit for consumers. The roadmap proposes 11 actions to better incentivise short-term flexibility in the electricity market from industrial consumers to support both reliability and competition. "The need for flexibility in our electricity system is becoming increasingly important as the level of intermittent generation - such as from solar and wind - increases and thermal generation declines," says Commerce Commission Chair and Task Force member, Dr John Small. "Currently, bigger electricity users might adjust their demand to avoid paying high costs for energy, but we believe in certain circumstances it may be appropriate to pay them to provide that flexibility. This could help these consumers to plan and invest with more certainty, while also supporting electricity supply reliability for the longer term," says Small. Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko Chair and Task Force member Anna Kominik says: "Industrial demand flexibility can be particularly useful during times of very high demand and tight supply, such as winter mornings and in the evenings. Its potential is expected to grow over time, including as new industrials come online, such as new industries and data centres particularly those optimised for this form of flexibility. "We know that electricity supply is currently very tight, so we've identified two actions that could be in place ahead of winter 2026. We'll shortly seek input from stakeholders on a proposed Emergency Reserve Scheme and intend to set up an industry co-design group process to develop a standardised tradeable product for industrial demand flexibility. "We are proposing nine further actions over the next five years to help lay the foundations for efficient use of demand flexibility across the electricity system - and we're interested to hear stakeholder views on these," said Kominik. Power purchase agreements The Task Force has considered submitters' feedback and determined that its initial proposal to allocate firming for PPAs is not the best way to encourage investment in new power generation projects. The Task Force has identified this option risks distortions to efficient market operations, which could negatively impact investment in new generation and lead to higher prices for consumers in the long term. Instead, the Task Force considers access to firming is best addressed via ongoing work on standardised flexibility products and the proposed level playing field measures (particularly the non-discrimination obligations), as well as complementary initiatives to encourage PPAs. These options enable new investment without the risks associated with allocation. This new approach is set out in an update paper. Visit the Task Force webpage for more information about both papers and details on how to have your say on the industrial demand flexibility consultation. Notes: About the Energy Competition Task Force The Energy Competition Task Force was established by the Commerce Commission Te Komihana Tauhokohoko and Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko in August 2024 to investigate ways to improve the performance of the electricity market. The Task Force has been considering eight initiatives that will encourage more and faster investment in new electricity generation, boost competition, enable homes, businesses and industrials to better manage their own electricity use and costs, and put downward pressure on prices. Firming Firming refers to technology used to store and release intermittent energy, usually either hydro storage or batteries. PPAs PPAs are long-term contracts to support generation. They can provide a route to market for entrant generators and an alternative procurement option for electricity buyers or traders.
RNZ News
06-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Contact Energy cleared to buy 100% of Manawa Energy shares
Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon The Commerce Commission has granted clearance for Contact Energy Limited to acquire up to 100 percent of the shares in Manawa Energy Limited. The regulator said it looked at effect of the merger on supply and prices in the wholesale electricity and came to the conclusion it would not substantially lessen competition. Commission chair John Small said it did not believe the deal would push electricity prices up for consumers, or lead to the two companies being able to coordinate supplies in the market to their own advantage. He said they were satisfied the two companies woiuld compete in supplying to other power companies. More to come ... Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Irish Times
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Dean Rock: Defeat to Meath could be just the spur Dublin need to recalibrate All-Ireland bid
A few times since last Sunday, I have found myself wondering what the mood might be like inside the Dublin dressingroom this week. And I keep returning to the same conclusion – it should be a really good place for those players. In analysis during the immediate aftermath of games, there can be a tendency to catastrophise defeats or get carried away with victories. And while there is no doubt that last weekend's win was a massive release for Meath, the accompanying narrative that it signals the demise of Dublin is an over-exaggeration. I wrote several weeks ago that the Leinster Championship doesn't matter to Dublin any longer. Dublin were going for 15-in-a-row. The extraordinary streak simply had to end at some stage. Another Delaney Cup was never going to define Dublin's season. READ MORE Of course, they won't be happy with many aspects of last week's performance. The management will review the tactical side of the game and look at personnel options. But from such a defeat comes a genuine opportunity to improve. They won't be pushing any panic buttons inside that dressingroom. They'll stay away from the noise. This is a time for calm heads. Opportunity knocks for Dublin. The All-Ireland has always been the goal and they remain a live contender in that race. I'd be reluctant to write any epitaphs just yet. Dublin manager Dessie Farrell with John Small during last weekend's Leinster SFC semi-final defeat to Meath in Portlaoise. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho There is so much quality in the squad and they will have learned a lot from the mistakes made against Meath. Dublin have several players to come back from injury and I expect they will be much stronger in terms of personnel for the All-Ireland series. One big result would get their season back on track. That's not to say there are no issues for Dessie Farrell and the management team to address. Dublin have struggled this year with consistency of performance. For whatever reason, they have started games sluggishly. There were several matches during the league where Dublin fell behind in the first half and were forced to chase games. [ Niall Scully says Dublin ready to regroup and go again Opens in new window ] [ Realistic Dublin GAA fans know they could be waiting years for another All-Ireland Opens in new window ] It happened again last Sunday against Meath – though the coin toss clearly played a massive role in that scenario unfolding given the wind in Portlaoise. Still, I'd be very surprised if Dublin don't address those issues around consistency and slow starts ahead of the All-Ireland series. Meath deserve a lot of credit for their performance. They had their homework done in terms of pressing up really high on Dublin's kickouts and forcing long restarts to the middle of the field. The immeasurable impact of hunger was a factor in Meath winning so much breaking ball from kickouts in the first half, but it was their high press which forced the issue in the first place. Of all the positive takeaways for Meath, Robbie Brennan might be happiest with how they held Dublin's comeback at bay in the closing stages. When the gap was reduced to two points, there was a sense Meath were hanging on and that Dublin were about to hit the front. But the Royal County showed impressive resilience in those closing stages. Donal Keogan again demonstrated his importance to the team while Seamus Lavin and Seán Rafferty made some big defensive plays during the game. When the contest was on the line, Meath dug in and held firm. Meath's Seamus Lavin and Paddy Small of Dublin contest a loose ball during the Leinster SFC semi-final. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho The result will have given hope to other counties in Leinster, but that's a reality Dublin don't have to worry about until next year. There is no benefit for Dublin to dramatise this result. It can impact a group if they let it, but if the players instead decide to take responsibility for the performance and review it with humility, they can learn a lot from the defeat. I had a quick check on the Sam Maguire odds and Kerry are 11-5 favourites. Dublin are further down the pecking order at 11-1. I don't see that difference between the teams. If they can get their best 21-22 players available, they will be a match for any team Cork were close to beating Kerry in a Munster semi-final, with Jack O'Connor's side only getting over the line after extra-time. Had they lost that match, would Kerry still be favourites for the All-Ireland? One game doesn't make or break a team. Had they won or lost against Cork, Kerry would still have been in the shake-up for the Sam Maguire. The same goes for Dublin after last weekend's provincial semi-final. Seán Bugler's absence was a big blow against Meath but he will be back for the All-Ireland series. They also have the likes of Eoin Murchan, Cian Murphy and Seán MacMahon to return. Paddy Small played well last weekend and Cormac Costello will be back at full fitness for the group stages. From here on in we should see the best of this Dublin team. If they can get their best 21-22 players available, they will be a match for any team this summer. And it's not a case of needing to lean upon a motivational crutch of 'they are all writing us off'. That wouldn't land with this bunch of players because it is a largely new group – it's a new Dublin team. Meath's Aaron Lynch and Theo Clancy of Dublin during the Leinster SFC final that yielded a shock win for Meath. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho We might have fed off that stuff a little bit in 2023 because that was a squad with a lot of miles on the clock. We could grab at that 'everybody thinks we're finished' narrative and use it. But that is not the play for this Dublin team. They should be looking at this as a very exciting opportunity to take stock, improve and get ready to demonstrate their capabilities by challenging for an All-Ireland. The outcome of the draw on Wednesday has been portrayed by many as Dublin landing in a group of death, but I feel it might just be the draw they need to kickstart their season. Would an easier group have served them better? Doubtful. If Dublin can come through this highly competitive group, they will arrive at the knockout stages full of renewed belief and confidence. Dublin will be on the road to Mayo or Galway in their first game and that's an exciting challenge to be facing. It will focus the dressingroom. And if they negotiate a path back to Croke Park for an All-Ireland quarter-final, I can't imagine there will be a queue of teams wanting to play them. The provincial finals take centre stage for now. For the first time since 2010, the Dubs won't feature. It's a big deal for Leinster football, but it doesn't have to be a big deal for Dublin football. Last Sunday signalled the end of Dublin's provincial championship involvement for 2025, but the real business of the season is just about to begin.
South Wales Argus
29-04-2025
- Climate
- South Wales Argus
Should you open or close your windows during a heatwave?
While electric fans are a go-to for many, you might also be tempted to open your windows to cool down but how effective is this and should you keep them closed instead? To settle the debate, John Small, Housebuilder in the UK and owner of Ty Eco, has explained how to keep your house as 'cool as a cave' this summer. Should you open or close your windows during a heatwave? Ty Eco founder John follows the PassiveHaus UK principles which help new-build and re-fitted homes beat the heat. What is a heatwave? He said: 'If it's cooler inside than outside, you should keep your windows closed.' John added that while it can be tempting to open your windows during a heatwave, you're only bringing the warm heat inside, making your home hotter. He explained the science behind his advice: 'Heat enters our house in two ways: solar radiation from the sun, and hot air. 'We want to limit both, by closing the windows and curtains – but, if it reaches a point where the temperature inside the house is equal to that outside, then you should open the windows, keeping the curtains closed.' If you want to open the windows, there's a specific time you can try it. How to cope with hot weather John explains that you can open your windows to keep cool in the late evening through to early in the morning until 9am. He advises keeping windows closed outside of this period. John added: 'For those really feeling the heat, it may be that your home is actually warmer inside than out, in which case, I would advise you to reverse the advice, but be wary, how it feels, and the actual temperature is deceiving, so always use a cheap temperature probe.' Recommended reading: If you're still struggling to keep your house cool, John said you could use privacy film. This is used in hotter climates around the world and increases your windows' ability to bounce away heat and will lower your home's internal temperature. A reflective film blocks the radiation heat from the sun and offers extra privacy. He said the heat film is also designed to allow the same amount of natural summer light into your home.
