Transpower cautious over hydro lake level rule changes

Low water levels in Lake Pukaki last winter were a major worry for the sector. (Image: NZME)

Wed, 23 Apr 2025

Transpower has decided at this stage not to make any permanent change to the rules around triggering access to hydro lake water below normal operating levels ahead of winter 2025.However, as the electricity system operator, it will retain discretion to allow hydro generators to use more water than currently allowed if a repeat of last winter’s energy crunch emerges.The rules around how far lake levels can fall, particularly in the southern hydro lakes, are complex and mainly related to consents.Under the rules, Transpower can authorise hy...

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