New Zealand power use reaches record level

18 August 2004

New Zealand power use reaches record level

National grid operator Transpower reported today that the nationwide demand for electricity reached record levels yesterday.

New records were set for the total electricity used in one day, and for the amount being used at one time.

General Manager System Operator Kieran Devine says the atrocious weather affecting most of the country saw power consumption soar to new levels.

“We estimate that the total electricity used by New Zealand on the 17th August was 131.3 GWh (gigawatt hours).

“That easily surpassed the previous record of 129.9 GWh on the 4th August and compares to last year’s record of 122.3 GWh.”

“New half hourly peak demand levels were also recorded last evening,” Kieran Devine said.

Total New Zealand demand peaked at 6513 MW (megawatts). A new North Island record of 4385 MW was reached. The half hourly South Island demand peaked at 2132 MW, just under the record.

“As System Operator we are anticipating similar demand levels today and we are working with generators to ensure there’s sufficient generation available to meet demand,” Kieran Devine said.

ENDS

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