Surge in Meridian lake levels eases winter power fears

Meridian's South Island lakes, such as Manapouri pictured here, are still low, but are filling.

Wed, 19 May 2021

Recent heavy rainfall has sent a rush of water into Meridian Energy’s hydro storage lakes in recent weeks, reducing the risk of a dry winter and electricity shortages.The risk of a dry winter had been “materially averted”, Jarden energy sector analyst Grant Swanepoel told BusinessDesk.However, he expects wholesale prices to remain elevated for at least the next 18 to 24 months, compared with most of the last five years, because natural gas will remain in short supply and is still needed to meet total electricity demand.It will...

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