| Data | |
|---|---|
| Installed capacity (2020) | 9,448 MW[1] |
| Production (2020) | 42,858 GW⋅h[1] |
| Share of fossil energy | 19%[1] |
| Share of renewable energy | 81%[1] |
| GHG emissions from electricity generation (2019) | 4,181 kt CO2-e[2] |
| Average electricity use (2019) | 8,940 kW⋅h per capita[3] |
| Distribution losses (2020) | 6.9%[1] |
| Consumption by sector (% of total) | |
| Residential | 31.7% |
| Industrial | 37.9% |
| Commercial and public sector | 23.8% |
| Tariffs and financing | |
| Average residential tariff (US$/kW·h, 2020) | 0.20 (NZ$0.29)[4] |
| Services | |
| Share of private sector in generation | 36% |
| Share of private sector in transmission | 0% |
| Share of private sector in distribution | 100% |
| Competitive supply to large users | Yes, except in isolated areas |
| Competitive supply to residential users | Yes, except in isolated areas |
| Institutions | |
| Responsibility for transmission | Transpower |
| Responsibility for regulation | Electricity Authority Commerce Commission |
| Electricity sector law | Electricity Act 1992 Electricity Industry Act 2010 |
The electricity sector in New Zealand uses mainly renewable energy, such as hydropower, geothermal power and increasingly wind energy. As of 2021, the country generated 81.2% of its electricity from renewable sources. The strategy of electrification is being pursued to enhance the penetration of renewable energy sources and to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all sectors of the economy. In 2021, electricity consumption reached 40 terawatt-hours (TW⋅h), representing a 0.2% increase compared to the consumption levels in 2010.[5]
The 2011–2021 Energy Strategy of New Zealand aims for a 90% share of renewable electricity by 2025. Following this, the government raised its ambition by setting a goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030.[6][5]
The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment in New Zealand monitors several key entities in the electricity sector. This includes the independent regulators, the Electricity Authority and the Commerce Commission, which are responsible for the sector's regulation. Additionally, the Crown agent, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency, is dedicated to promoting and managing electricity efficiency programs.[5]