Blackouts post-mortem shows demand control mistakes

A number of reviews are under way into why the lights went out (Image: Getty)

Fri, 13 Aug 2021

The electricity sector regulator’s first inquiries into last Monday night’s blackout underline mistakes in demand control. The steps went way too far and consumers were without power while generation capacity was available.The Electricity Authority has outlined how its post-mortem into the blackouts will fit into the inquiries into the events that led to it and lessons for the future.The sector regulator is planning a two-phase review which will also feed into a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment-led inquiry.The first p...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Wednesday, Aug 27

Take a break and try our quiz.

The Quizmaster 9:15am

Markets

Analysts say Scales is bearing fruit

Scales reported a solid 1H result, according to analysts.

Rebecca Howard 5:00am

Infrastructure

Spanish infra giant Acciona backs Clifford Bay

The upstart ferry port challenger boasts heavy-hitting backers.

Pattrick Smellie 5:00am

Spanish infra giant Acciona backs Clifford Bay

Sponsored

A two-track approach to cracking NZ’s EV charging puzzle

Z Energy aims to support easing adoption bottlenecks by targeting the distinct needs of habitual and journey EV drivers.

Z Energy

Sponsored

AI efforts risk failure without clear business goals – Spark

It’s time for New Zealand businesses to move beyond AI experiments and start delivering measurable value.

Spark

More Energy

Markets

Market underwhelmed by Genesis outlook

The company says it’s still on track for $500m+ ebitda in FY28.

Pattrick Smellie 26 Aug 2025

News in Brief

Vector takes $37 million impairment

NZX-listed energy distributor Vector took a $37 million impairment in its latest result to reflect fewer gas connections and “significant market uncertainty” over future gas supply.The impairment reflected forecasts in the company’s gas asset management plan that showed total con...

Staff reporters 25 Aug 2025