In accordance with section 11 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (“Act”), the Electricity Authority (“Authority”) gives the following notice.

Notice

1. Title and commencement

(1) This notice is the Electricity Industry (Exemption No. 364 (Meridian Energy Limited)) Exemption Notice 2025.

(2) This notice comes into force on the day after the date it is notified in the New Zealand Gazette.

2. Exemption

(1) Meridian Energy Limited (“Meridian”) is exempted from complying with the obligation in clause 10.38 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (“Code”) to maintain certification for each metering component and metering installation at NSP MAN2201MERIGG (Manapōuri).

3. Term

(1) This exemption expires on 31 March 2026.

4. Reasons for granting the exemption

(1) Meridian is currently using best endeavours to maximise the discharge of water at Lake Manapōuri levels in accordance with the Operating Guidelines for Levels of Lakes Manapōuri and Te Anau promulgated under the Manapōuri – Te Anau Development Act 1963.

(2) Compliance with clause 10.38 of the Code would require Meridian to complete a three-yearly certification of metering installation and components at the Manapōuri Power Station by 6 December 2025.

(3) The Authority is satisfied that it is not necessary for the purpose of achieving the Authority’s objectives under section 15 of the Act for Meridian to comply with clause 10.38 of the Code because:

1. complying with the certification process involves the shutdown of each generation unit at Manapōuri Power Station on a rolling outage which would require an increase in spill to make up for the reduced water flow through the turbines;
2. the exemption is for a relatively short time in the context of a three yearly certification cycle;
3. granting the exemption will have a positive impact on efficiency as it will allow water to be utilised for generation that would otherwise be spilt, likely reducing use of fossil fuels either now or in the future; and
4. granting the exemption could have a small positive effect on competition and reliability of supply.

Dated at Wellington this 1st day of December 2025.

For and on behalf of the Authority:
PAULA ROSE qso, Chair of the Compliance Committee, Electricity Authority.