Transmission alternatives - archive
The results of the analysis were presented to stakeholders.
- Slides from public meetings
The following reports provide details of the analysis performed.
Alternatives to Transpower's proposed transmission grid upgrade between Whakamaru and South Auckland
The Commission's decision-making process in relation to grid investment was provided for by Part F of the Electricity Governance Rules 2003 (Rules). Under the Rules the Commission was required to undertake a review and consult with interested parties on the grid investments proposed in Transpower's Grid Upgrade Plan. This process must also consider whether alternatives to transmission might defer or replace transmission investments.
The Commission published a consultation paper on its website called Alternatives to Transpower's proposed Whakamaru-Otahuhu transmission upgrade on 27 May 2005. This consultation paper was intended to give information to and seek input by way of submissions from interested parties, in advance of the Commission receiving Transpower's Grid Upgrade Plan. The Commission encouraged the input of interested parties at this early stage because it recognised the significant public interest in Transpower's plan.
The Commission completed its initial consideration of submissions and published the following reports on 20 September 2005.
- Report - summary of submissions
- Appendix B - EECA commentary
- Appendix C - CAE report
- Submissions received
- Media release - public consultation meetings September 2005
- Auckland 400kV alternatives public meeting presentation December 2005
Proposed Whakamaru-Otahuhu grid upgrade information sheet (includes next steps)
SKM study transmission alternatives - Auckland and North Isthmus
The Commission commissioned Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) to review the scope for alternatives to transmission reinforcement to supply the Auckland's region's increasing electrical demand. The objective being, to provide additional information to support the Commission's consideration of how such alternatives should be encouraged where they result in efficient outcomes. The scope of the review included demand side measures and generation options.
Regarding reference 8 in the SKM report: The EECA-commissioned report Mass Market Load Control - Its Use and Its Potential Use is now available at the EECA website.
Regarding reference 9 in the SKM report: EECA intends to release a full report on its demand response survey work once survey results have been collated and analysed. The final report is due for release early in 2005 and when released will be available at eeca.govt.nz.
In January 2005, the Commission asked SKM to investigate further the scope for demand side management in the Auckland/North Isthmus region.
SKM provided a report on its investigation to the Commission during June 2005. The report examined the characteristics of the electrical demand in the Auckland/North Isthmus region, highlighted those international demand side management examples that SKM believes are applicable to the region, and outlined a selection of solutions available for managing major commercial and industrial demand.
Transmission alternatives policy issues
In May 2005, the Commission prepared a consultation paper that asked industry stakeholders for their views on various policy options to enable the consideration and provision of transmission alternatives.
Other industry parties also considered this issue and, to be better informed on this debate, interested parties reviewed the discussion papers provided below:
- Transmission alternatives - criteria for their identification
- Comparison of market-based, and centrally-funded, frameworks for the development of transmission alternatives
On 22 December 2005, the Commission published a summary of submissions and the Commission response.
The Commission published a review of cross submissions in June 2006.
This page is related to: Transmission.