On Monday 9 August 2021, very cold weather over most of the country meant national electricity demand reached a record high. About 35,000 consumers (1.75% of consumers) experienced power outages between 7 – 9 pm.

The New Zealand electricity system is generally considered outstanding by world standards. The International Energy Agency (IEA), for example, stated in its recent review of New Zealand that we had a world leading example of a well-functioning electricity market and the market-driven rise in renewables was a world-class success story among IEA member countries.

This report provides a brief overview of electricity sector arrangements relevant to Monday’s blackout. The events of 9 August are then outlined, followed by brief comments about the investigations underway.