Our Market Operations Weekly Report contains the latest information about the electricity market, including security of supply, wholesale price trends and system capacity.
It is published every Tuesday. Click here to receive the report via email every week.
If you have any comments or questions please contact the Market Operations Team at [email protected].
Latest Report / More Information
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Current Storage Positions
Overview
New Zealand hydro storage has increased from 100% to 102% of the historic mean for this time of year. Renewable generation was 88% of the weekly generation mix, which is less than the mean of the last 12 months of 92%. Thermal generation has increased to 10%.
This week’s insight provides an update on recent Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) that have connected to the grid and current BESS projects being delivered.
Security of Supply and Capacity
Energy
National hydro storage has increased to 102% of the seasonal mean at the end of last week. South Island hydro storage increased from 94% to 96% of the historic mean, and North Island storage increased from 180% to 185%.
Capacity
Residuals were healthy with the lowest residual of 918 MW occurring during the morning of Wednesday 1 April.
The N-1-G margins in the NZGB forecast are healthy through to mid May. Within seven days we monitor these more closely through the market schedules. The latest NZGB report is available on the NZGB website.
Electricity Market Commentary
Weekly Demand
Total demand decreased from 748 GWh to 710 GWh for the week, slightly below the average demand at this time of year over the past three years. The highest demand peak of 5,297 MW occurred at 8:00am on Wednesday 1 April.
Weekly Prices
The average wholesale electricity spot price at Ōtāhuhu last week was $148/MWh, decreasing from $179/MWh the week prior. Wholesale prices peaked at $278/MWh at Invercargill at 2:00am on Monday 30 March.
Generation Mix
Wind generation increased from 7% to 8% of the mix. Hydro generation decreased to 54% of the mix, from 57% the week prior. Thermal generation increased to 10% which is above its yearly average of 9% of the mix. Geothermal
increased from 24% to 25% of the mix and solar contributed to 1% of the generation mix.
HVDC
HVDC flow last week was predominantly northward with the exception of some brief periods of overnight southward flow. These periods coincided with periods of high wind generation and lower North Island demand. In total, 58 GWh was transferred north and just 18 GWh was transferred south.
Surveys and Engagement
We have opened our Annual System Operator Participant Survey to provide an opportunity for participants to set out their expectations and help us understand how we are performing the System Operator service. If you have not received the survey but would like to have your say, you can complete it here. The survey closes 17 April 2026.