Ever wondered how there’s always electricity there when you turn on a light or charge your device?
1 April 2025
Understanding how electricity is generated and delivered across New Zealand is important, and Transpower New Zealand has created a fantastic way to explain it. They’ve put together a series of short, easy-to-follow animations that break down the electricity system in a clear and engaging way.
Transpower’s animated videos are presented by Volt—an enthusiastic guide who’s there to answer common questions and take us all on a journey through New Zealand’s electricity network. We love how these animations make complex concepts simple and accessible for everyone.
Check out the video below to learn more about how power gets to where it’s needed!
Ever wondered what the grid is and how it works?
Transpower looks after all the lines, towers and structures that get the electricity from where its made, like hydro dams, wind and solar farms. Here are a few facts that explain the grid and how it is unique in our country:
Transpower manage the electricity grid that delivers electricity to Firstlight Network, so we can power the homes and businesses in Gisborne, Wairoa and the East Coast.
They manage how much electricity New Zealand needs every second of every day, telling us here at Firstlight Network how much we are going to need for our community.
The grid runs all the way from Kaikohe at the top of the North Island to Tiwai Point at the bottom of the South Island, it even runs under the Cook Strait.
The geographical nature of our country, and extreme weather events means maintaining all that terrain can be challenging.
Check out the video below to learn more about the National Grid.
Ever wondered how electricity is always available when you need it?
That’s where Transpower comes in. As the system operator, they constantly predict how much electricity is needed. This helps us ensure Gisborne Tairāwhiti and Wairoahave power.
Transpower also manages the electricity market, where generators sell the power they produce, and retailers buy it to supply homes and businesses like yours.
It takes a lot of coordination to keep the lights on, but thanks to this carefully managed process, electricity is delivered exactly where and when it’s needed.
Check out the video below to learn more about the electricity system.
The Future of Electricity in New Zealand is a fast-changing landscape
Electricity powers nearly every aspect of our lives, and our demand for it is only growing. As more industries, businesses, and transport systems switch to electricity, we’re moving closer to New Zealand’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
But to make this future a reality, we need to connect power where it’s needed most. More renewable energy sources—, like solar and wind,—are joining the mix, and we need the right infrastructure to integrate them into the national grid. That means investing in energy storage, like batteries, and ensuring our entire system is maintained and upgraded to keep up with demand.
The power system is evolving faster than ever, reshaping how we generate, store, and manage electricity. The future of energy is not just promising—it’s already happening.
Watch the final video in Transpower’s educational series to explore what’s next for electricity in New Zealand!
