Meridian Energy monthly operating report for March 2020

Meridian Energy Limited's monthly operating report for the month of March 2020 can be found here. 

Highlights this month include:

• In the month to 9 April 2020, national hydro storage decreased from 111% to 94% of historical average
•  South Island storage sat at 96% of average and North Island storage at 71% of average on 9 April 2020
• Meridian’s March 2020 monthly total inflows were 79% of historical average
• Meridian’s Waitaki catchment storage at the end of March 2020 was 107% of historical average
• Storage in Meridian’s Waiau catchment was below average at the end of March
• National electricity demand in March 2020 was 2.0% lower than the same month last year
• COVID-19 lockdown has reduced weekly demand in April 2020 by around 16% compared to the same period
  last year
• Meridian made calls under the Genesis Swaption in March 2020
• Pohokura offshore gas wells and the HVDC link returned to full operation in late March/early April 2020
  respectively
• March 2020 was dry across much of the country, with the exception of the lower North Island and Northern
  Canterbury. Temperatures were near to below average
• New Zealand Aluminium Smelter's load during March 2020 was below the contract level of 622MW
• In early April 2020 the 4th potline at Tiwai Point was suspended for up to six months in response to COVID-19
• Meridian’s New Zealand retail sales volumes in March 2020 were 14.7% higher than March 2019
• April 2020 is seeing significantly lower business and commercial sales, higher residential sales.

ENDS 

Neal Barclay
Chief Executive
Meridian Energy Limited