Update: 12 February 2010

Upper North Island Dynamic Power Support Investigation

New development plans including the Grid Support Contracts are complete. Preliminary economic investigation is complete. Revised GSCs have been negotiated.

The Investment Proposal submission date is April 2010.

Next milestone: February 2010 - GIT, preferred development plan selected and preparation of an Investment Proposal

• View more info on the Upper North Island Dynamic Power Support investigation

Lower South Island Facilitating Renewables Project

Investment Proposal submitted 30 November.

Next milestone: March 2010 - Electricity Commission to publish Notice of Intention

• View more info on the Lower South Island Facilitating Renewables project

Lower South Island Reliability Project

Defining a technically and economically viable set of solutions has taken longer than anticipated, but we expect to publish a shortlist of options this month. We had intended to hold a forum in February to discuss the shortlist, but we now want to include discussion of the actual development plans for this shortlist to be more meaningful for attendees. Accordingly, we will reconvene the stakeholder forum at a later date.

Next milestone: February - Publish short list of options.

• View more info on the Lower South Island reliability project

Lower Waitaki Reliability Investigation Project

The Short List has been published and work is now underway to define the preferred option and prepare the Grid Upgrade Proposal.

Next milestone:  May - Submit GUP to Electricity Commission

• View more info on the Lower Waitaki Reliability Investigation Project

Redclyffe Interconnecting Transformer Project

Transpower has decided to withdraw this GUP and monitor transformer loading to determine if the existing system can be managed in a way that prevents the transformers being overloaded.

Bunnythorpe - Haywards thermal upgrade project

Project team has been established and is beginning to consider system need and the range of options to replace the existing conductor.

Next milestone: Request for Information on potential solutions June 2010.

National Auto Synchronisation Points Investigation Project

Grid Upgrade Proposal has been submitted.

Next milestone: March - Electricity Commission decision

• View more information on the National Auto-synchronisation Investigation Project

Upper South Island Grid Upgrade Investigation Project

Transpower is reviewing its earlier investigation to reinforce the grid in the upper South Island.  The investigation is presently reviewing the underlying assumptions - demand growth, new generation and system security. Meetings have been held with lines companies.

Next milestone: 4 March 2010 - Technical forum to discuss draft need

• View more info on the original USIGU project

Te Kowhai Over Voltage

A draft long list has been prepared that identifies ways for managing high voltages at the Te Kowhai grid exit point.  Completing a high level economic assessment to determine if the project is able to pass the GIT.

Next milestone: February - Request For Information to identify full range of options made available for consultation

Waikato 110 kV Line Investigation

Condition assessment shows that the conductor on a number of existing 110 kV transmission lines in the Waikato region is due for replacement. Through regional forums Transpower is discussing need and assumptions of the investigation with key stakeholders.

Next milestone: March 2010 - Consult on proposed long list

• View more information on the Waikato 110 kV line investigation

Opunake - Stratford conductor replacement

Condition assessment shows that conductor replacement is needed. Project to be discussed with affected customers.

Next milestone: February 2010 - Begin developing need and long list of options

Central Park transformer replacement and improving security

Condition assessment has concluded that the two 100 MVA supply transformers at Central Park need to be replaced. System loading and configuration make the replacement difficult.

Next milestone: March 2010 - Submit completed HLR to Wellington Electricity for consideration

Projects in Development

Transpower has a number of other projects in earlier stages of investigation that may or may not proceed to Electricity Commission approval.   The projects currently under investigation include:

• Lower North Island Transmission to Enable Renewables study. Investigation study has been completed. Report to be published.

As and when these projects develop, they will be individually treated within this update.