National hydro storage increased this week to 117% of average for the time of year (72% of full). This was the result of above average inflows in the South Island and average inflows in the North Island throughout the week. National hydro storage is sitting above the 90th percentile of historic averages for the first time in over 12 months. This is underpinned by lowered demand under the current National Alert Level 4 Covid-19 lockdown and last week's unplanned Pole 2 outage.
North Island storage increased ten percentage points to 82% of the historical average, and South Island storage increased by eight percentage points to 122% of the historical average.
Weekly Demand
National weekly demand dropped 61 GWh (eight percent) on the week previous. Demand remains low with the continuation of the National Alert Level 4 Covid-19 lockdown.
This week's peak was 5,849 MW and occured at 6.30pm on Monday 23 August 2021.
Generation Mix
Total generation was 774 GWh this week. With hydro making up 59% of the generation mix, and wind a further 7%. Koranehe (thermal) generation comprised just 10% of the generation mix this week. Overall, 87% of generation was from renewables.
Weekly Prices
The average price at Haywards was $56/MWh, down 44% from $100/MWh last week. Average spot prices for both the North and South Island this week are the lowest for the year so far and are significantly lower than the same time last year. This is a reflection of the high national hydro storage position coupled with low demand.
Inter island price separation took place early in the week while Pole 2 of the HVDC link was on outage due to a fallen conductor in the South Island high country. This was resolved when Pole 2 returned to service on 26 August 2021.
HVDC
HVDC transfer has remained Northward throughout the week. Pole 2 returned to service on 26 August 2021. Particularly high northward transfer was seen on 27 August following this return to service.
Fact of the Week
Electricity was first introduced to Ethiopia during Emperor Menilik's era when the German government provided a generator as a gift to supply electricity for lighting service in his palace.
