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The refreshed Powering Change platform has been launched, providing a single, accessible place for information about New Zealand's energy system. A key part of this refresh is the quarterly Measures and Metrics report. Updated every three months, the report tracks data from government and industry across key elements like energy prices, reliability, renewables and emissions, allowing people to see how the system is tracking over time. Find the Measures and Metrics here...
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Demand Flexibility Potential Report | Moving more electricity use off-peak could save the country up to $3 billion and transform the energy system in the process, according to new research from EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority). The detailed, first-of-its-kind analysis found New Zealand could, through fully exploiting modern technologies, lower electricity use at the busiest times by up to 25 per cent. The report highlights the huge potential to make better use of existing power poles and wires by encouraging the use of easy tools to smooth electricity demand, without impacting lifestyles or business productivity.
Read the report here... | | | |
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EA Set for Increased Authority | Energy Minister Simon Watts says the Government is taking decisive action to ensure Kiwis get a fair deal on electricity by strengthening the Electricity Authority. The main changes will include an increase in penalties for serious rule-breaking from a maximum of $2 million to up to $10 million, or three times the commercial gain, or 10% of a company’s turnover. Instant infringement fines (up to $2000) for more minor, repeated breaches. Moves to improve the Authority’s ability to update rules and monitor the market, thereby boosting competition and protecting consumers. Read more here... | | | |
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IEA Gas Market Report, Q1-2026 | Natural gas markets continued to rebalance in 2025. Global LNG supply returned to double-digit growth in the second half of the year, supported by the ramping up of new LNG liquefaction projects in the US, Canada and Africa. Global LNG supply growth is set to accelerate further in 2026, fostering a stronger increase in natural gas demand, which is expected to reach a new all-time high. Although supply growth is reducing market tightness, geopolitical tensions and weather impacts may still cause price volatility. Read the report here... | | | |
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S&P Global Energy has released their report Horizons Top Trends 2026, outlining the key trends that they see shaping the global energy landscape through the year. These include AI growth tests, solar growth peaks, the potential constraints of grid modernisation, the rise of hybrid PPAs, China's green hydrogen push, an expansion of global SAF capacity, surges in global EV sales, and the ever-evolving energy geopolitical landscape. Read more here... | | | |
Fragmentation in Global Climate Policy | The EU's carbon-border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) has fully entered into force in 2026, applying carbon-price-linked tariffs on imports to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has signalled a move away from global climate-treaties including the UNFCCC and IPCC. For New Zealand, while immediate impact is relatively small, the EU's CBAM creates both pressure and opportunity as access to premium markets in Europe become linked to decarbonisation. Read more on the CBAM here... Read more on the US withdrawal here... | | | |
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BEC is currently working on the following submissions: Consultations have begun to flow as 2026 moves into full swing. The EA has launched the consultation 'Evolving Multiple Trading and Switching - Supplementary consultation paper' with which the Authority is revising its proposal and developed an alternative MTR operating model. Their revised proposal is a simpler and more targeted approach to MTRs than the original proposal. The EA has also put out the consultation 'Code amendment omnibus #6' which is consulting on a range of minor proposals to amend the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010. Transpower has begun consulting on the second stage in a multistage programme of work aimed at addressing the challenges in the WUNI region. The broad aim is to ensure a reliable electricity supply to the Waikato and Upper North Island region. Transpower has also released their initial engagement paper as part of the development of a System Operator strategy. Outlining why a refreshed strategy is needed now. This strategy will take a ten-year forward view to guide investment planning through 2028-31 and beyond. View BEC submissions here... | |
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Industry Exercise: EA and Transpower | The EA and Transpower will run an industry-wide exercise on 20-21 May 2026. This year, they will simulate a major space weather event. Electricity market participants will work together to practice how to manage the impacts on Aotearoa's power system and minimise any impact on electricity customers. Aotearoa has experienced several solar storms over the past two years including a large event in January Read more here...
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Ara Ake, in partnership with Community Energy Network and WISE Charitable Trust, ran the third annual Energy Resilience and Affordability Conference. Speakers and guests explored key themes including regional resilience, innovation, and energy affordability, alongside cross-sector collaboration and community-led implementation. They have now released the summary report of the conference so that even if you could not attend you may still learn about the discussions that took place. Read more here... | | | |
Mercury powers up new geothermal generator | The Ngā Tamariki expansion project is on track to be fully commissioned by March adding another 46MW of renewable energy baseload capacity to the station ahead of winter, taking its installed capacity from 86MW to 132MW. The total annual average generation output for the station will be about 1120GWh. That's enough to power the equivalent of 158,000 homes.
Read more here...
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Serviced office space available in Wellington CBD | This space on The Terrace is part of a hub of offices with people mostly operating in the energy, minerals and infrastructure sectors. Two options are available - perfect for small teams wanting a hassle fee set-up. Both come with shared facilities including meeting rooms and kitchens. Two existing BEC members are part of the hub. See here for further details, or call Sarah on +64 21 076 6779. | | | |
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In March we are amplifying the latest insights from across the sector and introducing a brand-new stream dedicated to leveraging technology across the energy value chain. Key topics for 2026 include: Leveraging data and AI tech, exploring the opportunities offered by demand flex, updates on the generation fleet and emerging biofuel options, reviewing the scope and benefits of industry collaboration, assessing the impacts of constrained indigenous gas supply, evaluating power procurement strategies and options, government and opposition energy priorities. | |
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