The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment published Energy Quarterly data showing that renewable sources supplied 92% of electricity generation in the June 2026 quarter, the highest share recorded for a June quarter and the third consecutive quarter above 90%. Total electricity generation rose 1.9% from a year earlier, while renewable generation increased 11.4%, reducing reliance on coal and gas despite higher demand. Hydro generation rose 14.7%, geothermal output reached a quarterly record of 2,621 gigawatt hours and solar recorded its strongest June quarter. Gas fired generation fell to its lowest June quarter level since 1981 and coal fired generation to its lowest since 1996. Wholesale electricity prices declined 66% year over year, although residential electricity costs rose 10%, mainly because of higher network charges for infrastructure investment. Outside electricity, gas production declined 19.5% and demand fell 20.4% from the June 2025 quarter. Fuel imports increased 5.6% and included the first delivery to New Zealand’s strategic diesel reserve, while international supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict drove annual petrol price increases of about 22% to 23% and a 69% rise in diesel prices.
2026-09-10Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (New Zealand)
New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment reports record 92% renewable electricity share for a June quarter
New Zealand renewable sources supplied a record 92% of electricity generation for a June quarter, pushing coal and gas fired generation to multidecade June quarter lows. Wholesale electricity prices fell 66% year over year, but residential costs rose 10% because of higher network charges. International supply disruptions also lifted petrol prices by about 22% to 23% and diesel prices by 69%.