Final Electricity Commission decision welcomed

Transpower welcomes final Electricity Commission decision

Transpower today welcomed the Electricity Commission’s final decision to approve its proposal for a new transmission line between south Waikato and south Auckland.

The proposed new line is New Zealand’s largest transmission infrastructure project and the first upgrade to the national grid in the upper North Island for over 20 years. Since that time the population of the upper North Island has more than doubled and electricity usage has more than trebled.

Chief Executive Dr Ralph Craven said that the decision today will help to ensure security of supply to the upper North Island and New Zealand.

“This project is of crucial importance for the whole country and will help to deliver confidence that a secure supply of electricity will be available in the long term.”

“The approved proposal provides a flexible option for the Upper North Island; it supports the development of New Zealand’s energy strategy and offers the most cost effective and efficient option to respond to growing demand. Because the line is 400kV capable it also means building fewer lines and towers into the future.”

Dr Craven said there is still a lot of work to be undertaken in order to meet the tight commissioning timeframe of 2011.

“With the final decision announced today, the next big step for the project is working through the Resource Management Act process. This process will help address community concerns and identify possible mitigations that can be undertaken.”

“Transpower will also continue to seek easements from affected landowners along the route of the new line during the Resource Management Act process. We will continue to work closely with affected communities and landowners throughout this process.”

ENDS

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