An energy boss says predicted rain, will take the strain off New Zealand's power supply

Winstone Pulp plans to close its central North Island pulp and saw mills - because of spiking electricity prices - putting more than 200 jobs on the line.

Transpower's now offering power generators early access to emergency hydro-lake reserves - with levels massively below average for this time of year.

Meridian CEO, Neal Barclay, says rain and snowmelt in spring and summer - will raise lake levels.

He says as soon as the lakes start filling up, the hydro generation will ease the high spot prices.