Average utility scale ESS price per 8MW in New Zealand

How much does electricity cost in New Zealand?

This works out to cost roughly $197 per month, if the current average kilowatt (kWh) price is 33.74 cents. It’s important to understand that different areas of the country have different rates for electricity. The below table shows some of the average rates around the country. Where is the most expensive place in New Zealand for power?

What is the levelised cost of electricity comparison tool?

The Interactive Levelised Cost of Electricity Comparison Tool ranks the projects from lowest to highest LCOE and the resulting curve is a simplified representation of the long-run marginal electricity generation costs in New Zealand.

How much does electricity cost in Christchurch?

Christchurch, by comparison, enjoys rates 23% lower than Auckland's North Shore, with average annual bills of $2,213 (comparison of electricity costs). The region's electricity demand reached peak levels of 5,260 MW during winter 2025, putting significant pressure on grid infrastructure.

Will Bess become a cog in New Zealand's energy landscape?

We expect that BESS will also become an increasingly important cog in New Zealand’s broader energy landscape and that we will see utility-scale solar projects incorporating batteries as a means of providing dispatchable generation during peak demand and enhancing grid stability.

How much does electricity cost in Kerikeri & Westport?

For context, Kerikeri residents face the highest national rates at $3,222 per year, while Westport households pay approximately $3,221 annually. Christchurch, by comparison, enjoys rates 23% lower than Auckland's North Shore, with average annual bills of $2,213 (comparison of electricity costs).

What is the levelised cost of electricity generation (LCOE)?

The graph ranks the projects from lowest to highest levelised cost of electricity generation (LCOE). If lower cost plants are built first, the majority of new build generation is wind. The graph shows a situation where the levelised cost of electricity generation (LCOE) of wind ranges from $54 per MWh to $70 per MWh.