Exploring options for Huntly Power Station

Exploring options for Huntly Power Station to continue supporting national energy security

New Zealand’s four largest electricity generators are considering market options to improve national
security of supply.

This is in response to the market conditions during winter 2024 where the market experienced a pinch
point on energy supply due to a combination of a faster than expected decline in the national supply
of natural gas, low hydro lake levels and low wind conditions. The medium-term outlook for gas supply
is also a key factor.

As part of that work, Genesis Energy, Mercury, Meridian, and Contact have entered into a non-binding
heads of agreement to investigate the potential for Huntly Power Station Rankine Units (one of which
was scheduled to retire in 2026 and the other two in the early 2030’s) to continue to play a key role
managing ‘dry-year risk’ and enhance system security over a longer-term timeframe, as the country
sets about adding more intermittent wind and solar generation.

The commercial structure is being worked through, including key terms such as pricing and cost. The
structure may include a strategic fuel reserve to cover disruptions to other fuel supplies and
arrangements similar to the Huntly Firming Options Genesis brought to market last year, which could
potentially be extended to cover a term of up to a decade.

It is expected the new arrangements could be in place for 2026 (subject to any regulatory approvals).

ENDS

Investor contact
Cameron Sinclair, General Manager
[email protected]
0274 273 280

Media contact
Estelle Sarney, External Communications Manager
[email protected]
027 269 6383

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Announcement PDF