Photo: muha/123RF
Energy researchers say rising demand for electricity in summer will have repercussions on lake levels come the next winter.
Transpower says while risks of an electricity supply shortage this year have eased, next winter's forecast is concerning.
It has signalled to the energy sector to focus on fuel storage - including across hydro storage - to manage the risk of shortages come winter 2025.
This winter, a lack of gas and wind led to the lakes being drawn down quicker and a surge in spot prices.
That closed some industrial plants, while others halted or reduced production.
Mark Todoroff is an energy demand forecaster at TESLA Forecasting / Yes Energy.
He says he is seeing a steady increase in summer power demand from heat pumps being used for cooling, and the increase in electric vehicles.
Dr Kimberley O'Sullivan is an energy hardship expert in the Department of Public Health at Otago University.
She has just finished a research project assessing New Zealanders' summer energy use - with further evidence of the increase in heat pump use for cooling.
