Transpower is working with electricity lines’ companies to switch off hot water systems on Friday to reduce demand, it said, noting these systems are regularly switched on and off during the day.
Major industrial electricity consumers have also been asked to reduce their use during the same period.
“If action from lines companies and major industrial consumers, alongside support from New Zealanders to conserve electricity, is not enough to keep the power system in balance, Transpower may need to work with lines companies to switch off supply to some areas around New Zealand,” it warned.
“This would be for a short time until the electricity supply shortage is resolved and will prevent the risk of widespread and longer outages.
“We encourage people to check websites and Facebook pages from Transpower, their electricity retailer or local lines company for updates.”
Earlier this week, MetService warned Kiwis to “grab the blankets and hot chocolate” with icy weather set to chill parts of the country.
In a forecast shared to YouTube on Wednesday, Law warned a polar blast was imminent with more cold nights to come.
“Where it stays clear, it stays cold – a cold and frosty morning first thing on Friday,” he said.