Australia-Pacific

New Zealand's Meridian gains reserve-water access, says power price rises to ease

Meridian Energy, one of New Zealand's largest electricity generators, has been granted approval to access reserve water in its hydro lakes. The company said the recent rises in power prices should end soon as supply pressures ease.

A hydroelectric dam and its water reservoir
A hydroelectric dam and its water reservoirPhoto: Barnabas Davoti / Pexels
RNZ Business2 h ago

Meridian Energy, one of New Zealand's leading electricity generators, has received the approval it needs to access reserve water in the lakes that feed its hydro plants. The move is intended to ease supply pressure caused by low water levels.

According to RNZ, the company said the recent rises in electricity prices should end soon. Because New Zealand relies heavily on hydro for power generation, lake levels can directly affect prices.

Officials stressed that using reserve water is aimed at supporting supply security in the short term. Analysts said longer-term solutions depend on storage capacity and renewable investment. Consumers and industry are watching price developments closely.

EnergyAustralia-PacificRNZ Business
This article is an AI-curated summary of the original story published by RNZ Business. The illustration is a stock photo by Barnabas Davoti from Pexels and is not from the original story.

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