Tiwai Smelter Reduces Energy Use Amid Low Lake Levels Forecast

• NZ Aluminium Smelter to reduce electricity usage by 100 MW starting early August.
• Meridian Energy requested the reduction to manage electricity generation demands.
• Tiwai Smelter to gradually ramp up energy use again from November.

New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) will cut its electricity usage by 100 megawatts (MW) from early August. This decision follows a request from Meridian Energy, aimed at balancing electricity generation demands amid low lake levels.

The reduction is part of new electricity supply agreements that became effective earlier this month. These agreements allow Meridian to ask the Tiwai smelter to decrease its energy consumption as needed. Earlier in July, Tiwai had already reduced its usage by 50 MW in response to Meridian’s call.

“Tiwai is pleased to continue to play our part in securing the electricity system, when required,” said NZAS Chief Executive Chris Blenkiron. “We recognise the responsibility we have as a large electricity user, to ease stress on the electricity system when asked to do so. As essentially New Zealand’s largest battery, we have a unique ability to do this rapidly.”

The 100 MW reduction represents about half the energy needed to power Hawke’s Bay during this time of year. This lower electricity usage at the smelter will last until November, after which it will gradually increase again.

Meridian Energy has the authority to request this reduction, with the energy supply split between Meridian and Contact Energy at 75% and 25%, respectively.

ally ramp up energy use again from November.
New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) will cut its electricity usage by 100 megawatts (MW) from early August. This decision follows a request from Meridian Energy, aimed at balancing electricity generation demands amid low lake levels.

The reduction is part of new electricity supply agreements that became effective earlier this month. These agreements allow Meridian to ask the Tiwai smelter to decrease its energy consumption as needed. Earlier in July, Tiwai had already reduced its usage by 50 MW in response to Meridian’s call.

“Tiwai is pleased to continue to play our part in securing the electricity system, when required,” said NZAS Chief Executive Chris Blenkiron. “We recognise the responsibility we have as a large electricity user, to ease stress on the electricity system when asked to do so. As essentially New Zealand’s largest battery, we have a unique ability to do this rapidly.”

The 100 MW reduction represents about half the energy needed to power Hawke’s Bay during this time of year. This lower electricity usage at the smelter will last until November, after which it will gradually increase again.

Meridian Energy has the authority to request this reduction, with the energy supply split between Meridian and Contact Energy at 75% and 25%, respectively.