Cold snap triggers record electricity demand across New Zealand

Tuesday 28 July 2026 · 5 outlets · 3 reports · updated Tue 28 Jul, 9:31am

In this story MetService

Freezing temperatures have driven New Zealand's electricity demand to an all-time high, with Monday morning peaking at 7141 MW. Some areas recorded their coldest temperatures of the year, including -8C in the South Island and 0C in parts of Auckland.

How they headlined it

7:42am9:15am

1. 1NewsTue 28 Jul, 7:42am

   Another cold and frosty start to the day, as one spot records -7C (opens in new tab)

2. StuffTue 28 Jul, 9:15am

   Record power demand as Kiwis crank up heaters in bitter cold (opens in new tab)

3. Waikato Times via RNZTue 28 Jul, 9:31am

   Cold snap fuels record peak electricity demand (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab), The Press (opens in new tab)