A potential power outage is looming in the chilly air.

Many parts of the country have seen temperatures dropping below zero with an early season cold snap.

Electricity grid operator Transpower's warning households to limit power use between 7 and 9 Friday morning where possible. 

It suggests turning off lights and heaters and delaying use of appliances. 

Contact Energy Chief Executive Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking that there are lots of plans and investment in growing generation capacity. 

He says Tauhara —the sixth geothermal power station near Taupo— is being commissioned, which would provide another 160-170 megawatts.

Fuge says the cold's come a bit earlier and the project's running a bit late.

LISTEN ABOVE

A potential power outage is looming in the chilly air. 
Many parts of the country have seen temperatures dropping below zero with an early season cold snap. 
Electricity grid operator Transpower's warning households to limit power use between 7 and 9 Friday morning where possible.  
It suggests turning off lights and heaters and delaying use of appliances.  
Contact Energy Chief Executive Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking that there are lots of plans and investment in growing generation capacity.  
He says Tauhara —the sixth geothermal power station near Taupo— is being commissioned, which would provide another 160-170 megawatts. 
Fuge says the cold's come a bit earlier and the project's running a bit late. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.