An icy front expected from Wednesday is likely to lead to people turning on their heating, with snow falling to low levels overnight in Canterbury, Otago, Southland and the lower North Island.
National grid operator Transpower said that despite the expectation of a cold day, even by winter standards, there is enough supply to avoid power outages.
Longer hours of sunshine and the fact that it’s school holidays can help reduce rising demand.
But there is uncertainty about the wind forecast that can affect the output of turbines.
dr. Stephen Jays, Transpower’s general manager of operations, said it would closely monitor weather reports and the amount of power supply and demand.
It will send a notification to the industry requesting additional generation if necessary.
Transpower said it has made changes since it was blamed by the electricity watchdog for widespread power outages on one of the coldest nights of last year.