Meridian Energy reports drop in hydro storage

Meridian Energy has released its monthly operating report for November 2023, revealing a decrease in national hydro storage.

By 11 December 2023, hydro storage had dropped from 100% to 88% of the historical average.

South Island storage was at 82% of average, while North Island storage increased to 113% of average.

The company's total inflows for November were 66% of the historical average, with Waiau catchment inflows at 64% of average.

Waitaki catchment water storage, however, was at 96% of the historical average.

Snow storage in the Waitaki catchment was at 94% of average in early December, and water storage in the Waiau catchment was at 86% of average at the end of November.

In terms of electricity demand, national demand in November 2023 was 0.7% higher than the same month last year.

The month was described as dry and mild for most of the country, with above-average temperatures and below-normal rainfall, except for the East Coast of the North Island.

Other highlights from the report include New Zealand Aluminium Smelter's average load of 577MW and an increase in Meridian's retail sales volumes, which were 3.2% higher than November 2022.