August 2026 cold snap and power demand

The story so far

A cold snap driven by Southern Ocean air was forecast for early in the week of 2 August 2026, with snow to low levels in the south, large swells in the Cook Strait and possible frosts as far north as Northland.^{3 Aug} Freezing temperatures moved across the country, and record electricity demand followed.^{5, 6 Aug} Reports said one in four households were struggling to pay power bills, and experts suggested heating costs could rise by 50% during the cold period.^{5 Aug} Electricity demand peaked at a record 7415MW on a Thursday morning, above Wednesday's record of 7247MW, and wholesale prices rose to $2346 per megawatt hour.^{6 Aug} Transpower said power stayed on despite the strain on the electricity system.^{6 Aug}

Latest

The newest reports say electricity demand hit a new record peak of 7415MW on Thursday morning, with wholesale prices rising to $2346 per megawatt hour.^{6 Aug} Transpower said power remained on despite the strain on the system.^{6 Aug}

Key moments

1. 3 AugCold snap forecast: snow to low levels in the south, frosts possible as far north as Northland
2. 5 AugRecord electricity demand reached as freezing temperatures spread nationwide
3. 5 AugReports say one in four households struggling to pay power bills
4. 6 AugElectricity demand hits record 7415MW, beating Wednesday's 7247MW
5. 6 AugWholesale prices rise to $2346 per megawatt hour; Transpower says power stayed on

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.