Energy researchers fear the country will face an electricity shortage next winter if demand does not ease.
Transpower says high demand during the summer period could leave lakes depleted by the middle of next year, when demand increases further as temperatures drop.
Dr Kimberley O'Sullivan, an energy hardship expert at the University of Otago's Department of Public Health, said a survey of 219 people during the summer of 2021 to 2022 showed air conditioning was a key driver of increased demand during summer. Read more