News
How demand-side flexibility can contribute to security of supply
Demand-side flexibility is a term that describes situations where consumers change the time or the amount of their electricity consumption. By reducing or shif…
Forward price dip following new Tiwai smelter contracts
On 31 May 2024, three of New Zealand’s largest electricity generators (Meridian, Contact and Mercury) announced new contracts of up to 20 years with New Zealan…
Natural gas and the electricity sector transition
The New Zealand Government has committed to net zero emissions by 2050 and fossil fuels are being phased out, including in the electricity sector. This article…
The difference between winter peak capacity and dry year risk
The New Zealand electricity system provides reliable electricity around the clock, however, the system faces some challenges in achieving this. This article ex…
How the HVDC balances electricity supply and demand
Electricity supply and demand differ across New Zealand’s two main islands. The South Island has abundant hydro generation, while the North Island is more popu…
Unlocking the potential for batteries to contribute to security of supply
As New Zealand electrifies, more grid-scale batteries will maximise the benefits of renewable energy and provide extra resilience during times of tight electri…
Past and future spot market volatility
Half-hourly electricity spot prices reflect the underlying conditions in the electricity market. This article explains what’s behind the emerging spot market v…
The levelised cost of electricity
In New Zealand, more electricity generation is needed to meet future electricity demand and replace retiring thermal power plants. The initial build costs of n…
Let the sun shine!
New Zealand’s first megawatts (MW) of solar power were generated and sold on the wholesale market last week. Kaitaia solar farm, in the far north of the North …
Wind power sets new records
Several new wind farms connected to the grid and started operating this year – Turitea, Kaiwera Downs and Harapiki. Find out how this has increased capacity an…
All Blacks “demanding” support from home with electric performance at RWC 2023
There was a wave of change as New Zealanders got back on side with the All Blacks as they steadily progressed through each battle to the 2023 Rugby World Cup f…
Security of supply while two thermal generators are on outage
The ability of electricity supply to meet demand over time is referred to as 'security of supply'. It's about the availability of enough generation capacity ea…
How firming renewables will impact the electricity sector
Aotearoa New Zealand’s electricity system is transforming. More renewable electricity generation, like wind and solar farms, are being built to meet increasing…
The changing nature of electricity demand in Aotearoa
Electricity in New Zealand is supplied by hydro, geothermal, thermal and wind generation. Hydro and thermal generation have some capacity to store energy – in …
The electricity sector transition
New Zealand’s electricity system is transforming. In 2019, the Government passed a law targeting net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To achieve this goa…