System Operator Independent Review

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority) is intending to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a supplier to conduct an independent review of the System Operator. This review will look at how the System Operator’s performance should be assessed and whether it provides value for money. The purpose of this Advance Notice is to signal the Authority’s intention to go to market and to give potential suppliers early visibility of the opportunity. When evaluating responses to the RFP, we will consider: - the supplier’s relevant experience and track record - how well the proposed solution meets our requirements - the supplier’s capacity to deliver within the required timeframe - the extent to which the proposal delivers economic benefits to New Zealand - overall value for money, based on price in relation to the quality and expected outcomes of the proposed solution. The Indicative timeframes for this process (which may be subject to change) are: - Release of RFP: mid-July 2026 - Supplier briefing session: approximately one week after the RFP is released - RFP closing date: early to mid-August 2026 - Selection of preferred supplier: late-August 2026 - Contract start date: 16 September 2026 - Contract end date: 18 December 2026 Further details, including the confirmed scope, structure, and timeframes, will be published on the New Zealand Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) in due course. In the meantime, we would encourage potential suppliers to subscribe to this notice if they have not already done so, to be notified when additional information becomes available.