Power consumption record broken again

A record amount of power was used on Tuesday, breaking the previously high level set only eight days previously.

Transpower said demand was 6676 megawatts between 5.30pm and 6pm on Tuesday -- the largest amount ever used.

The previous high of 6630mw was recorded on June 19.

Total 24-hour demand for Tuesday was also a record high of 85.6 gigawatt hours for the North Island.

The South Island set a new record last Thursday of 48.3 gigawatt hours.

Despite the high usage, Transpower said there would be enough power to get through winter -- as long as all major generators remain on line.

- NZPA