More evidence of the scale of the winter energy shortage

The electricity, gas, waste, and water services industry has recorded a 22-percent rise in seasonally adjusted sales in the June quarter.

That's an eight-year record.

Stats NZ says gas shortages and low hydro generation pushed up wholesale prices and a particularly cold May lifted demand.

Meridian Energy says recent rain at Manapouri, Te Anau and Pukaki, and strong wind, is helping lower the wholesale price.