Wellington and Wairarapa grid investments

13 March 2009
Media release

Electricity Commission announces intention to approve Wellington and Wairarapa grid investments

The Electricity Commission has given notice that it intends to approve two electricity grid investment proposals submitted in December 2008 by Transpower, to improve reliability in Wellington and the Wairarapa.

The two projects are worth nearly $27 million. The first is for a new $9.5 million transformer at Wilton substation that will connect the 220kV transmission network to the 110kV network that supplies Wellington consumers. Transpower says a new transformer is needed because the Wellington 110 kV network does not currently meet the required grid reliability standards. It intends to complete the work in 2011.

The second proposal is to replace conductors on the existing 82km Woodville - Mangamaire - Masterton 110kV line and refurbish some towers.

Work is expected to start this year on the Woodville - Mangamaire section, with the Mangamaire - Masterton section planned for completion in 2010. Total cost of the project is expected to be $17.4 million.

Since 2005 the Electricity Commission has approved more than $2 billion in new transmission investment.

If requested, the Commission may hold a public conference to hear further submissions on its decisions. If no conference is requested within 10 days, the decisions will become final. Details on the proposals and the Commission's reasons for its intentions to approve can be found at: http://www.electricitycommission.govt.nz/opdev/transmis/gup/2008GUP/index.html

ENDS

© Scoop Media