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
National hydro storage has declined to below the 90th percentile from 130% to 121% of the historic mean for this time of year but remains healthy and above average. While solar generation did not break another record last week (compared to the pattern in recent weeks), it remains high at 21 GWh, or 2.7% of the generation mix.
In this week's insight we provide an overview of NZGB and its importance in securing supply in the medium-term forecast.
Security of Supply and Capacity
Energy
National hydro storage decreased to 121% of the historic mean from 130% the week prior with low inflows and high hydro generation. South Island storage decreased from 139% to 129% and North Island storage decreased from 77% to 74%.
Capacity
Residual generation was mostly healthy last week, but we had a morning tight spot of 287 MW when low wind coincided with relatively high demand and the beginning of a geothermal station outage on Monday 5 October.
The N-1-G margins in the NZGB forecast continue to increase with healthy levels through to early December. 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 last week to 755 GWh from 780 GWh the week prior with warmer temperatures coming to New Zealand. The highest demand peak occurred at 8:00 am on Monday 5 October at 5,787 MW.
Weekly Prices
Wholesale electricity spot prices increased last week with the average Ōtāhuhu price up at $60/MWh from $35/MWh the previous week. Prices peaked at $233/MWh at 8:00 pm on Monday 5 October.
Some periods of inter-island energy and reserve price separation occurred during the week with high HVDC transfer.
Generation Mix
Solar generation continues to remain high as we move closer to summer at 2.7% of the generation mix. Wind generation is below average at 7.5% and geothermal is below average at 22% with the beginning of a full station outage. Hydro remains above average at 65% of the mix.
HVDC
HVDC flows last week were entirely northward. In total 136 GWh was transferred north.
Consultations
HToday we have released our TSO:DSO coordination: operations requirements paper. This discussion paper seeks feedback on proposed foundational operating arrangements between the transmission system operator (TSO) and distribution system operators (DSOs).
Please send your feedback by email to [email protected] by 5pm on Friday 6 November 2026.