NZ's Meridian extends deadline for Rio Tinto smelter contract

Meridian Energy said on Wednesday that it would extend until August the deadline for when Rio Tinto's New Zealand aluminium smelter must decide whether to extend its power supply contract with the utility company. New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd (NZAS) will now be required to give notice by August 3 on whether it will extend its contract beyond 2017, Meridian said, pushing back an initial deadline set for Wednesday.