Transpower publishes Annual Planning Report 2008

Media Release 31 March 2008

Transpower publishes Annual Planning Report 2008

Transpower today released its 2008 Annual Planning Report (APR) detailing the issues impacting on electricity demand and generation in New Zealand over the next 10 years.

The report considers the latest demand forecasts and compares these with the transmission capacity in the 13 regions across the country. The time periods and places where capacity is approaching its limit are highlighted, and possible transmission solutions listed.

Transpower’s General Manager Grid Investment, Tim George said that the report is important in bringing together the varied projects that Transpower anticipates undertaking over the next 10 years. It also highlights those projects that might be progressed to facilitate the New Zealand Energy Strategy.

“Transpower faces an increasing challenge of operating in an environment where the system is becoming increasingly loaded as demand for electricity increases. Many of the grid assets are also aging and as the assets get older, greater maintenance is required, however finding an appropriate time to take the equipment out of service is getting harder due to high load growth.”

“The APR sets out a plan of future investment needed to keep the electricity supply secure.

Transpower is committed to limiting interruption of electricity supply to consumers, and this investment programme will help strengthen the National Grid and increase reliability and security of electricity supply to homes and businesses throughout New Zealand.”

Over the past five years, Transpower has addressed a number of trouble spots on the network and over the next 10 years, it plans to spend around $3.5 billion in upgrading and maintaining New Zealand’s transmission network. Mr George said that the nature of New Zealand’s transmission grid in the future will also need to accommodate an increase in renewable generation given the objectives of the New Zealand Energy Strategy.

“We have already begun engaging with interested parties on two facilitating renewables projects - for the lower South Island and for the key transmission lines connecting in and around the Wairakei area in the central North Island.

The possible transmission options for both these projects are highlighted in the APR;” he said. The 400+ page Annual Planning Report 2008 is available from www.gridnewzealand.co.nz.

ENDS

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