July 2026: The path to DSO: Sharing insights from Baringa, Powerco and Europe
On 21 July 2026, we hosted a webinar where Powerco shared progress on its DSO transformation, including international observations and findings of its recently-commissioned Baringa report. The webinar provided an opportunity to further industry understanding of the drivers and adoption of DSO capabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The webinar recording, slide pack, and Baringa's report to Powerco are below.
- Webinar recording: The path to DSO: Sharing insights from Baringa, Powerco and Europe
- Slide pack: The path to DSO: Sharing insights from Baringa, Powerco and Europe
- Report: DSO strategy (commissioned by Powerco)
May 2025 report: potential Distribution System Operation (DSO) models for Aotearoa
The Future Networks Forum worked with Baringa on a report that explores potential Distribution System Operation (DSO) models for Aotearoa. The report looks at three potential models:
- Total Transmission System Operation (TSO). TSO’s current role is expanded to include distribution network demand/generation optimisation.
- Total Distribution System Operation (DSO) EDB expands its role, with DSO dispatching all local resources and providing a residual demand or supply curve to the TSO.
- Hybrid between 1 & 2. TSO and DSO share capabilities and responsibilities in some way.
We held a webinar where Baringa briefly walked through the key points in the report and did Q&A with lines company participants.
Both the webinar and report can be found below.