Pressure to save power amid shortage fears

Hydro storage levels are causing significant concern in the electricity industry which is calling on the public to switch off as much as possible.

Transpower said today despite recent rain hydro levels were still concerning and the industry was continuing with its contingency planning to ensure supply over winter.

Hydro lake levels were around 60 per cent of average storage, significantly lower than normal, because of the drought in both islands.

Other factors that added to worries included the unexpected closure of the New Plymouth power station, dry summer conditions restricting output from the Huntly thermal power station which led to more hydro powering the system, and the decommissioning of Pole 1.

- NZPA