Transpower welcomes draft decision
Transpower welcomes the draft decision released by the Board of Inquiry today. The decision approves Transpower’s proposal to construct a new transmission line between Whakamaru and South Auckland, known as the North Island Grid Upgrade Project.
Transpower CEO, Dr Patrick Strange says the project is of vital importance to New Zealand’s economy. “The North Island Grid Upgrade Project provides essential security of supply into the upper North Island,” he said.
There are six transmission lines running north to Auckland. Most of these were built in the 1950s and 60s. In the intervening 40 years, the population of the upper North Island has more than doubled and electricity use has more than trebled.
“The upper North Island has experienced several issues with electricity supply in recent years, illustrating the need for the increased capacity that this project will provide, long into the future,” said Patrick Strange.
“We will work hard to establish effective partnerships with communities and respectful and fair relationships with affected landowners.
“The local benefits of this project include the creation of additional jobs and investment in the wider Waikato region, but we also recognise the major impact the project has on individual landowners and communities.”
Transpower will spend the 20-day review period considering the decision and conditions set by the Board of Inquiry.
“We will take time to consider any conditions before making any comment on the decision itself,” said Patrick Strange.
The final decision is expected later in the year.
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