A sunny initiative meets a wintry brouhaha

A sunny initiative meets a wintry brouhaha
When hydro stations like Clyde (above) are operating at full capacity, they can no longer ramp up to meet peak demand. (Image: NZME)
Pattrick Smellie
Every winter, as temperatures drop and days get shorter and colder, the national grid operator Transpower’s job of ensuring enough electricity to meet national demand gets trickier.In the past, the problems have been greatest when there’s been too little water in hydro storage lakes. In the worst of those winters, although not for many years now, New Zealanders have been called on to save power.There are a number of reasons why things haven’t been so tight as to require emergency power savings campaigns. Mostly, there’s...

More Policy

RMA replacements to end 'culture of no'
Policy

RMA replacements to end 'culture of no'

The Government looks to Japan as it unveils two replacement planning laws.

Oliver Lewis 24 Mar 2025
Speeding up FIF changes may halt entrepreneur flight
Policy

Speeding up FIF changes may halt entrepreneur flight

Entrepreneurs planning exits now look at staying, as Inland Revenue details FIF changes.

Garth Bray 21 Mar 2025
Pre-construction contractor sought for Antarctica
Policy

Pre-construction contractor sought for Antarctica

Antarctica NZ has gone to market for early works on its reset Scott Base build.

Oliver Lewis 20 Mar 2025
Science institutes one step ahead of Govt on reorganisation
Policy

Science institutes one step ahead of Govt on reorganisation

Universities shouldn't 'passively wait' for government direction.

Greg Hurrell 20 Mar 2025