Transpower says new technology limiting electricity demand in the upper North Island will allow it to defer building new infrastructure.
The state-owned national grid operator says the new Smart Grid system will restrict electricity supply to participating businesses under agreed conditions, such as warm weather.
Transpower says it aims to save 60 to 70 megawatts of electricity in Auckland during periods of high demand.
Chief executive Patrick Strange says the system will cost $10 million to build but will reduce the need for future capital investment, enabling the company to defer about a year's worth of spending on grid upgrades.
Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee says domestic consumers will use similar technology to control their electricity use in future.
