02 Mar 2026
As part of Transpower’s Te Kanapu initiative to create a future grid blueprint, today they published Future Direction – Our Energy Scenarios, describing five possible futures for the New Zealand economy and how electricity demand and generation will rise to meet it.
“We know electricity demand is increasing, as our population grows and more of our economy is electrified,” said John Clarke, Transpower’s Executive General Manager Future Grid.
“Through Te Kanapu, Transpower is making sure that our national grid enables economic growth in a net-zero future.
“Today we’ve published Future Direction, a document outlining five potential futures for Aotearoa’s economy and national electricity grid. These future scenarios have been informed by significant feedback and engagement from New Zealand businesses, the energy sector and consumers.
“Later this year, we’ll use those scenarios to publish a pathway forward in the form of Te Kanapu – the future grid blueprint. Te Kanapu will inform our planning through the existing regulatory framework to make sure we have the right infrastructure in place at the right time.
“This work allows us to ensure that New Zealand has the electricity infrastructure we need for future generations to enjoy the fruits of a thriving economy.
“We’re grateful to the hundreds of New Zealanders who’ve already provided feedback through consultations, workshops and discussions online and across the country. Your rich feedback has directly contributed to this future direction,” said John Clarke.
Future Direction scenarios, and summary of submissions
https://www.transpower.co.nz/our-work/te-kanapu/our-scenarios
More about Te Kanapu