Consumers will be feeling unsettled as the reliability of electricity supply is tested. 

A cold snap and low wind generation meant the country faced a potential supply shortfall, and Transpower asked people to reduce electricity use between 7 and 9am. 

Consumer Advocacy Council chair Deborah Hart says this kind of situation is not new, but the market model is obviously not working. 

She said that we need to turn our attention from only building infrastructure to delivering energy efficiency and innovation. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• 'Third-world stuff': Energy minister praises chilly Kiwis' restraint amid grid crisis
• Kerre Woodham: Another example of our power industry being unable to cope
• "The industry will get through it": Transpower balances risk with power residuals
• Early cold snap threatens power grid as projects run behind