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- Healthier hydro lake levels allow easing of power limits on smelter
- Meridian Energy says confident of power security this winter
- Restrictions could be reimposed if serious change
Power restrictions on the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter (NZAS) are being eased as hydro lakes levels have risen enough to ease fears of stretched power supplies this winter.
An agreement between the smelter and its main power supplier Meridian Energy has allowed production to be cut and electricity usage reduced to preserve hydro resources.
"New Zealand's hydro storage is looking much healthier than it was just a few weeks ago, so we are now confident regarding security of supply this winter. As a result, we want NZAS to get back to business," Meridian chief executive designate Mike Roan said.
The smelter is the largest power user in the country and had been reducing its power usage by 50 Megawatts, which would start being phased out from the middle of the month allowing for an increase in aluminium production.
"This is another example of how willing NZAS is to support New Zealand's electricity system while making some of the purest, renewable aluminium on the planet and we are hugely appreciative of that," Roan said.
Under the agreement, Meridian has two options that can be called on if the power supply outlook deteriorates.
