Low lake level prompts power price warningSTUFF Low hydrolakes usually mean higher prices. Low hydrolake levels are prompting concerns wholesale power prices may spike this year but affected retailers say it's too soon to worry. Wholesale price rises do not immediately affect customers who are locked into traditional fixed-price power contracts, where they pay a set fee for power regardless. However, low lake levels can have an impact on wholesale electricity prices because of the way our electricity supply is generated, predominantly from renewable hydro generation." There have been similar situations in previous years where we have started the year with lower than average hydro storage.

Source: Stuff January 12, 2018 00:56 UTC