Pre-Conference Workshops

Registration for the Pre-Conference Workshops is now closed.

Flex Day: Flexibility – Progress, Gaps, and Engaging Consumers

Date: Tuesday 9 September
Time: 9.00am - 1.00pm
Venue: Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch 188 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, New Zealand

Join FlexTalk, FlexForum, and experts from across the energy sector for a vital discussion shaping the future of energy flexibility in Aotearoa. Get up to speed on complementary flexibility projects and contribute your expertise on critical design and delivery questions. Our aim is to make it easy and routine for New Zealanders to experience the benefits of energy flexibility.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Helicopter View & Project Updates: Steve Batstone will frame the current flexibility landscape. Hear quick-fire updates from EECA’s DF Scaled Pilots and EECA Strategy & Projects.
  • Consumer Engagement Insights: Learn from Australian expert on successful consumer engagement strategies for flexibility – what works, what delights, and how to ensure no one is left behind.
  • Interactive Industry Input: Provide expert input on project approaches. Discuss: “Are we doing well?”, “What feedback do we have?”, “What could we do differently?”, and “What should we consider?”
  • Networking: Morning tea

Objectives:

  • Provide a comprehensive industry update on key flexibility projects and their progress against the Flex Plan (2.0).
  • Strengthen project linkage and collaboration among flexibility initiatives.
  • Address core barriers to widespread flexibility adoption.

Who Should Attend:

Essential for all industry stakeholders invested in New Zealand’s energy future, including: Network companies (EDBs), Aggregators, Retailers, Technology providers, and crucially, consumer representatives (e.g., from Councils and advocacy groups).

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of shaping the future of energy flexibility in Aotearoa. Seating is limited, register now to secure your spot!

EEA Substation Engineering Forum (WORKSHOP FULL)

Date: Tuesday 9 September
Time: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Venue: Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch 188 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, New Zealand

Connecting Generation and Customers to the National Grid – Standards, Projects, and Practical Delivery

This forum will explore how high-voltage substations enable the connection of generation (e.g., solar and wind) and customers (e.g., electricity distribution businesses and large industrial users) to the national transmission grid.

Attendees will hear about:

  • Key Transpower standards and project investigation processes
  • Quality assurance and value engineering opportunities
  • Future direction and initiatives from Transpower
  • Presentations from engineering consultants on complex substation projects, showcasing how they delivered fit-for-purpose solutions that can inform upcoming projects

Who Should Attend:

  • Substation Engineers from Electricity Distribution Businesses involved in new GXP developments or expanding capacity at existing GXPs
  • Generation Developers and Engineers (including solar and wind) interested in customer connection queues, investigations, and quality assurance processes
  • Service Provider Substation Engineers looking to learn about upcoming design improvements and to share their insights and challenges
  • Engineering Consultants working with Transpower or its customers

Agenda:
A detailed agenda will be shared closer to the date.

Connections Day: Driving Consistency, Clarity, and Confidence in New Network Connections

Date: Tuesday 9 September
Time: 1.30pm - 5.00pm
Venue: Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch 188 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, New Zealand

Be part of shaping a smoother, smarter connection experience for Aotearoa. This workshop is a key milestone in the Streamlining Connections programme, bringing together electricity distributors, regulators, and connection experts to accelerate consistency and simplicity in the customer connection journey.

Workshop Highlights:
Where We’re At and What’s Next – Hear an update from EEA on the development of nationally consistent Connection Guidelines.

Template Testing: Real Feedback, Real Progress – Join hands-on sessions to test and provide feedback on two high-priority connection templates

  • Micro Embedded Generation (<10kW)
  • Embedded Generation at Medium Voltage
    • Applying Insights from the COPS Review – Explore how the outcomes and recommendations of the recent EEA COPS Review are helping to inform and improve connection practices across the sector.
    • Updates from ENA and the Electricity Authority – Hear the latest on ENA and Authority-led work programmes supporting connection reform, including capacity mapping, queue management, commercial arrangements, and potential regulatory changes.
    • Complementary Workstreams – Discover how wider planning reform and supporting tools are contributing to more consistent and transparent processes.
    • Collaborative Discussion – Help shape a joined-up industry response. Share feedback, identify remaining gaps, and discuss how we align efforts across regulatory and technical fronts.
    • Networking – Afternoon tea provided.

Objectives:

  • Advance the development of national connection templates and technical guidance.
    • Leverage findings from the COPS Review to support more effective and transparent connection processes.
    • Strengthen alignment between industry and regulatory work programmes.
    • Build shared understanding of what “good” looks like in the connection process.

Who Should Attend:

This is a must-attend event for:

  • Electricity Distribution Businesses
  • Consultants, Engineers, and Technical Advisors
  • Retailers and Generators
  • Regulators and Planners
  • Anyone working to improve the customer connection experience

Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of a sector-wide effort to make connections easier, faster, and more consistent. Seats are limited – register now to secure your spot!

Powering the Future Generation

Date: Tuesday 9 September
Time: 4.00pm - 5.30pm
Venue: Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch 188 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, New Zealand
Audience: For under 35yrs or new to ESI

A Networking Event for Emerging Electricity Industry Professionals

Join us for an energising evening of networking, connection, and conversation with fellow young professionals across Aotearoa’s electricity sector.

Whether you’re new to the industry or growing into your next big role, this is your chance to spark new relationships and plug into the community.

This is an opportunity to meet with other young professionals from outside of your organisation and make some new connections before the start of the EEA2025 Conference.

EEA Conference Breakfast: From intention to impact: diverse and inclusive leadership

Date: Wednesday 10 September
Time: 7.00am - 8.30am
Venue: Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch 188 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, New Zealand

Hosted by EEA and Ngākau Hihiko – Women in Energy (formally Mana Wāhine)

The diversity breakfasts at the EEA Conference have been a huge success in the past so we’ve decided to have another!

There will be a panel of speakers discussing diverse and inclusive leadership. EEA Chief Executive Nicki Sutherland will facilitate the panel including a Q&A session at the end.

Attendance is free for all conference delegates, but registration is a must so get in quick to secure your seat!