Publication by area: Infrastructure and transport

The Electricity Authority has proposed changes to how transmission services are priced which link transmission pricing to New Zealand's world leading wholesale electricity market. On first read the proposal looks attractive and appears to have material benefits for New Zealand. But can the Authority's approach work? Do the benefits make sense and can they be realised over time?

NZIER were asked by a group of major electricity users (MEUG) to evaluate these and other questions and advise MEUG members in support of their submissions on the Authority's proposal. Our analysis and assessment are contained in a public report that can be found on the MEUG website.

The Government's infrastructure priorities now need to be reviewed in light of the cost of Christchurch's devastating earthquakes. However, the cost-benefit appraisals of major transport schemes that are likely to form part of the reprioritisation tend to understate the benefits. Thus there is a risk the wrong projects get weeded out or delayed when it would be better to look elsewhere to find the money needed to support Christchurch. We describe the reasons why, and provide some considerations that will help reduce this risk. In the long term we would argue for improvements to methodologies.

Report to Ministry of Transport, June 2009 (link is to Ministry of Transport's website)

NZIER slides. Link to MEUG website.

A report for MEUG, reviewing Castalia's Electricity Security of Supply Policy Review report for the Electricity Commission.

Submissions on the Electricity Commission's consultation paper. Report to MEUG.

NZIER working paper 2006/1 by Simon Hope, in association with Strata Energy Consulting Ltd

A report for Vodafone NZ Ltd.