Meridian Energy has reported record interim earnings and net profit. Group EBITDAF increased by 20% to $465 million,
while net profit reached $191 million, up 26%. Along with a record level of hydro generation in New Zealand, the results
reflect significant customer and sales volume growth across all segments, including a 39% growth in corporate sales.
Chief Executive Neal Barclay says Meridian’s outstanding performance has been delivered in part due to favourable
conditions and also the work of our dedicated team across both the Meridian and Powershop brands. While our financial
results are pleasing, I am also thrilled that Powershop was ranked the top electricity provider by Consumer NZ and
Meridian was ranked the top large retailer.
“Customer numbers across New Zealand and Australia have grown 8% since June 2019. I think this demonstrates that as a
Group, by doing right by people and right by the environment, we’re delivering for our customers,” Mr Barclay says.
Meridian’s largest customer, Rio Tinto, announced in October 2019 that they would be conducting a strategic review of
the Tiwai smelter. Meridian has offered contract changes to Rio Tinto and we note the smelter may receive lower
transmission costs in the future. The review is expected to be completed by end of the first quarter in 2020.
“As a 100% renewable energy generator, we continue to lead environmental change as New Zealand works towards a low
carbon future. Meridian is now net zero carbon across our operations and we have committed to halve our gross emissions
by 2030,” says Mr Barclay.