Dry spell hits hydro lake

The dry conditions in the Gisborne region are affecting hydro storage at Genesis Energy's Waikaremoana Power Scheme.

Average daily inflows into Lake Waikaremoana from March to May were the third-lowest since records began in 1930. Only 1930 and 1998 were lower. The lake has just 9 per cent of its storage remaining.

The low levels have reduced electricity outputs from Genesis Energy's Kaitawa, Tuai and Piripaua hydro-generation facilities. In recent weeks, Genesis Energy has been generating electricity just from water leaking through the natural earth dam at the outlet to Lake Waikaremoana.