Meridian Energy has released its monthly operating report for December 2023, revealing a decrease in national hydro storage.
By 12 January 2024, national hydro storage had dropped from 88% to 84% of the historical average.
South Island storage decreased to 75% of average, while North Island storage increased to 132% of average.
Meridian's total inflows for December 2023 were 80% of the historical average, with Waiau catchment inflows at 84% of average.
Waitaki catchment water storage at the end of December was 82% of average, and snow storage in the Waitaki catchment was 64% of average in mid-January.
In terms of electricity demand, December 2023 saw a 2.4% increase compared to the same month the previous year.
The month was described as warm, with variable rainfall patterns, and most of the country experiencing normal or below-normal rainfall, except for parts of the Upper North and the East Coast.
Other highlights include an increase in Meridian's retail sales volumes for December 2023, which were 10.3% higher than December 2022.
In the second quarter, Meridian's total inflows were 83% of the historical average, 5% lower than the same quarter last year.
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