Meridian Energy monthly operating report for August 2026

Meridian Energy Limited has released its monthly operating report for the month of August 2026. This was a month in which New Zealand experienced record peak electricity demand, and Chief Executive Mike Roan said Meridian was well positioned to step up to this. “We and the sector comfortably met that demand peak in early August, through high renewable generation and the system benefits of North Island batteries. It was another sign of a system that’s performing extremely well.” “El Niño conditions continued to strengthen through August, and are building further, supporting Meridian’s high winter-end storage levels. While El Niño may bring dry conditions, particularly in eastern regions, it can also bring increased rainfall to our hydro catchments, so we're optimistic of maintaining strong hydro storage through the summer." Key points this month include: - In the month to 7 September 2026, national hydro storage increased from 128% to 155% of historical average. - South Island storage increased to 178% of average and North Island storage decreased to 79% of average by 7 September 2026. - Meridian’s August 2026 monthly total inflows were 145% of historical average. - Meridian’s Waitaki catchment water storage1 at the end of August 2026 was 161% of historical average. - Snow storage in Meridian’s Waitaki Catchment was 106% of average in early September. - Water storage in Meridian’s Waiau catchment was 172% of average at the end of August 2026. - Despite a cold start, August was a warm and wet month, particularly for the South Island. Temperatures were above average for the majority of the South Island and most parts of the North Island. Rainfall was above average for the west and south of the South Island, whereas the North Island had lower than average rainfall. - National electricity demand in August 2026 was 0.3% lower than August 2025. - NZAS average load during August 2026 was 578MW, compared with 565MW a year ago, when Meridian and NZAS had agreed a 50MW demand response reduction from March 2025 to August 2025. - Meridian’s retail sales volumes in August 2026 were 4.7% lower than August 2025. - Compared to August 2025, segment sales in residential were 2.7% lower, small medium business 4.3% lower, agriculture 3.3% lower, large business 5.1% higher and corporate 9.2% lower. Weekly lake storage updates are available on Meridian’s website. See comparative lake levels at: www.meridianenergy.co.nz/power-stations/lake-levels