Meridian Energy (ASX:MEZ, NZE:MEL) and New Zealand Aluminium Smelters agreed that the latter will provide 50 megawatts per hour of demand response from March 10 to Aug. 31, with a ramp-up period of 86 days to follow, according to Tuesday filings with the Australian and New Zealand exchanges.

The agreement modifies the remainder of the demand response option exercised by Meridian on July 21, 2024, which was expected to complete its ramp-up on April 12.

The smelter held, and expects to hold, its reduction under the option ramp-up at around 25 megawatts between Feb. 17 and March 2.

The parties also agreed that Meridian will next have the ability to call for a demand response option for 100 megawatts or an option of 185 megawatts under the demand response agreement between the parties to take effect from April 12, 2026.