New Zealand Grid Operator Hits Record Demand, Warns of Possible Friday Energy Shortfall

An Antarctic cold front sweeping New Zealand since 4 August drove temperatures to -9C on the South Island and snow to sea level in Wellington for the first time in 11 years. Transpower, the national grid operator, recorded its highest-ever electricity demand during Wednesday morning's peak and warned of a possible energy shortfall on Friday morning as heating load surged. MetService forecasts Thursday as likely the coldest morning of the year in parts of the country.