Who buys electricity in New Zealand?

Retail companies buy electricity from generators and on-sell that electricity to businesses and households across New Zealand. For most New Zealand electricity customers, there's a lot of retailers and brands to buy electricity from. The latest retail market share, market competitiveness and switching trends.

How does electricity supply work in New Zealand?

Supplying electricity to homes and businesses across New Zealand involves three key elements: generating electricity, transporting electricity to distribution companies, and then selling it to customers.

Why is New Zealand transitioning to a highly renewable electricity system?

New Zealand is transitioning to a highly renewable electricity system. This change will require increased and accelerated investment in new electricity generation to match demand growth and the retirement of thermal power plants.

How is electricity transported in New Zealand?

Electricity is transported at high voltage (up to 220,000 volts) through a high‑voltage alternating current system around New Zealand. To transfer electricity between the North and South Island, there is a high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) inter‑island cable with a transmission line under the Cook Strait.

How is electricity transferred between North and South Island?

To transfer electricity between the North and South Island, there is a high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) inter‑island cable with a transmission line under the Cook Strait. Electricity generated in the South Island is often transported north via the HVDC cable, as the North Island has higher electricity demand.

How much electricity does Aotearoa use?

There are nearly two million electricity consumers in Aotearoa, from typical households which consume about 7MWh per year to the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter which consumes about 570MW per year (about one third of the total electricity consumed in the South Island and 13% of the total electricity nationwide).