Big wet in the north as southern hydro lakes start to sink

Big wet in the north as southern hydro lakes start to sink
Rain in the north boosted hydro production there, but water is becoming scarcer in the major southern hydro lakes. (Image: Getty)
Ian Llewellyn
Wet weather in the north has boosted hydro catchments in those areas but the first signs of pressure in the major southern hydro lakes are starting to emerge as future wholesale electricity prices rise.Operational reports from the major generator/retailers highlight the unusually wet weather recently in the North Island.Mercury’s operational update for the three months to December said weather patterns across the Waikato catchment were very wet, almost the wettest second quarter since records began.This extended the wet trend from the sta...

More Energy

Election politics weigh on gentailer valuations
Markets

Election politics weigh on gentailer valuations

Political noise and manoeuvring are distorting the electricity market again.

Electricity Authority launches review as questions linger
Policy Analysis

Electricity Authority launches review as questions linger

The review has been described as a ‘rare opportunity for genuine transformation’. 

Ian Llewellyn 10 Nov 2025
War on Nature v Going for Growth
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: War on Nature v Going for Growth

Some big environmental eggs were broken this week to 'go for growth'.

Pattrick Smellie 07 Nov 2025
$200m gas fund may not be enough as Māui closure looms
Policy

$200m gas fund may not be enough as Māui closure looms

The fund has been expanded to cover gas storage.

Ian Llewellyn 06 Nov 2025