Summary
Security of Supply
National hydro storage remained high this week at 130% of average for the time of year (78% of full).
North Island storage increased five percentage points to 126% of the historical average and South Island storage remained constant at 131% of the historical average.
Weekly Demand
National weekly demand was 739 GWh; a decrease of 22 GWh (three percent) on the previous week, following the trend towards Summer.
This week's national demand peak was 5,446 MW and occurred at 8.00am on Wednesday 20 October. This is down from a peak of 5,854 MW, recorded during the previous week. The North Island demand peak occurred at 8:30am on Friday 22 October.
Generation Mix
Total generation was 774 GWh this week. Reflecting the high hydro storage levels, hydro made up 64%, and thermal just six percent of the mix. Wind generation comprised seven percent of the mix. Renewable energy made up 91.7% of the total generation mix this week.
Weekly Prices
The average price at Haywards was $56/MWh, down 15% from $66/MWh last week. These prices are on average lower than the prices observed in October 2020, reflecting much higher hydrology this year.
Prices at Haywards peaked at $193/MWh at 7.30am on Thursday 21 October. This peak coincided with a period of high thermal generation (500MW at 8:00am on Thursday 21 October) and low wind generation. There was minimal price separation over the week.
HVDC
HVDC transfer has remained Northward throughout the week as a result of high hydro storage levels. The highest weekly transfer was 938 MW recorded at 10:30am on 24 October.
Fact of the Week
Electricity travels along conductors as electromagnetic waves at about the speed of light (300 million metres per second).
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