Transpower welcomes interim approval

09 July 2008

Transpower welcomes Electricity Commission’s interim approval for West Coast Upgrade Project

Transpower said today that it welcomed the Electricity Commission’s (EC) notice of intention to approve its proposal to reinforce electricity supply to the West Coast region.

The proposed project, worth up to $19 million, involves a number of works including building a new 110 kV line between Reefton and Dobson, building a new capacitor bank at Hokitika and substation works to facilitate the new equipment. Transpower’s General Manager Grid Development Tim George said that the project will provide much greater reliability for all West Coast consumers and give confidence to investors in the region.

“The project will also help meet expected electricity demand increases due to new dairy and mining ventures in the West Coast area. This new demand is equivalent to an increase of about two thirds of the current peak load for the entire West Coast region.”

“Transpower has worked closely with local lines company Westpower to ensure that the proposal is the best solution for the West Coast region. We will continue to work closely with them moving forward.” Transpower is hopeful that the Electricity Commission will be in a position to issue a final decision on the proposal by late July 2008. If final approval is obtained, Transpower and Westpower will start work soon and aim to have the upgrade completed by 2011.

ENDS

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