New Zealand electricity usage hits new record during cold snap

Thursday 6 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 6 Aug, 11:46am

In this story Transpower

Electricity demand reached a record peak of 7415MW on Thursday morning as freezing temperatures hit the country. This surpassed Wednesday's record of 7247MW, with wholesale prices rising to $2346 per megawatt hour. Transpower stated that power remained on despite the strain on the electricity system.

How they headlined it

11:17am11:46am

1. StuffThu 6 Aug, 11:17am

   The power stayed on, but ‘it was particularly tight on the electricity system’ on freezing night (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsThu 6 Aug, 11:46am

   Cold snap pushes NZ's electricity use to record high for second day (opens in new tab)