Generation cap exemption amendment will further boost electrification and resilience in the Waikato

WEL Networks (WEL) welcomes the Electricity Authority’s (EA’s) decision to approve an amendment to its generation cap exemption, raising the maximum capacity to 93MW.

The amendment takes into account plans for new generation assets not included in the initial generation cap exemption of 66MW, granted by EA under Part 6A of the Electricity Industry Participation Code in October 2024.

Along with the installation of two new solar farms and WEL’s Rotohiko Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that were included in the initial exemption, the exploration of a BESS to improve network resilience in the Raglan area and additional solar opportunities, underpin the amendment request for additional generation capacity.   

Given the responsibility on distributors like WEL, to manage the operation and maintenance of local networks, the development of distributed generation assets is particularly important as electricity demand in the Waikato region continues to grow. Increased electrification will also help New Zealand reach its 2050 net-zero emissions target.

WEL would like to thank the EA for the additional effort its team has put into granting the amendment, which will further boost WEL’s reputation as a leader in renewable energy.