33650 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Energy

Written Question

Published date: 26 Aug 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	33650 (2026)
Question asked:	27 Jul 2026
Member asking:	Ricardo Menéndez March
Portfolio:	Minister for Energy
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	20 Aug 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_33650_2026
Document guid:	52ef38f8-b704-4150-8a2c-9f2ff7399c44

33650 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Energy: Why do officials not expect any of the “maybe three data centres” to put upward pressure on electricity prices?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that data centres due to come online during 2026/27 are not expected to have a significant impact on electricity prices because projected growth in demand is expected to be accommodated within the current generation pipeline. Data centres are also signing Power Purchase Agreements with generators to back new renewable generation investments.