Power demand keeps climbing - 02 Jul 2006

Power demand keeps climbing - 02 Jul 2006

The record-breaking run in New Zealand’s electricity demand has continued.

As System Operator, Transpower recorded a New Zealand peak demand of 6748 MW (megawatts) between 5.30 and 6pm on Thursday evening (29th June).

This surpassed two previous records set in the previous fortnight. Until this month, the highest nationwide demand for electricity had been 6513 MW on 17th August 2004. The new peak is an increase of 235 MW or 3.6%.

The North Island half hour peak demand on Thursday evening was also a new record, of 4505 MW.

And the South Island set a new record on Wednesday evening (28th June) of 2248 MW.

The high demand has been successfully managed, with all major generators making their supply available over the peak times.

Peak electricity demand records:

New Zealand: 6748 MW 29/06/06 up 3.6%
North Island: 4505 MW 29/06/06 up 2.7%
South Island: 2248 MW 28/06/06 up 1.1%
Auckland/Northland: 2133 MW 23/06/06 up 6.8%
Wellington: 640 MW 22/06/06 up 5.8%
Christchurch/Upper SI: 1080 MW 28/06/06 up 3.9%

© Scoop Media