Auckland transmission alternatives
About this Consultation
- Submissions received
- Next steps
The Commission has requested that Transpower submit a Grid Upgrade Plan (GUP) to the Commission for consideration. This GUP is expected to include a proposal for construction of a 400kV high voltage alternating current (HVAC) double circuit transmission system between Whakamaru and Otahuhu. If the plan meets with the Commission's approval, Transpower would then be entitled to recover the construction costs for the line from electricity industry participants.
The Commission's decision-making process in relation to grid investment is provided for by Part F of the Electricity Governance Rules 2003 (Rules). Under the Rules the Commission is required to undertake a review and consult with interested parties on the grid investments proposed in Transpower's GUP. This process must also consider whether alternatives to transmission might defer or replace transmission investments.
Submitters can find reports relevant to Transpower's proposed 400kV Whakamaru-Otahuhu grid upgrade at www.gridupgrade.co.nz/?id=5241. A recent report "Security of Supply into Auckland; Review of System Capacity Limitations" dated March 2005 provides further information on Transpower's consideration of alternatives to the proposed project. Submitters should note, however, that the Commission has not at this stage performed a detailed review of this report and the analysis that underpins it as this will be done when considering Transpower's GUP.
The Commission's consultation paper, “Alternatives to Transpower's proposed Whakamaru-Otahuhu transmission upgrade”, is intended to give information to and seek input by way of submissions from interested parties, in advance of the Commission receiving Transpower's GUP. The Commission is encouraging the input of interested parties at this early stage because it recognises the significant public interest in Transpower's plan.
ErratumPlease note the last date given in Section 4, Page 19 of the paper should be July 2006 for "Commission Publishes decision on the GUP" and not April 2006.
Public consultation meetingsThe Electricity Commission held a series of public meetings between 21-27 June 2005 to hear views on Transpower's proposed transmission grid upgrade between Whakamaru in South Waikato and Otahuhu, South Auckland.
- Consultation summary and presentation
The Commission invites parties to provide information regarding options they believe should be considered as alternatives to the Transpower proposal.
Submissions must be received by 5pm on 13 July 2005. Submissions for this paper received after this date may not be able to be considered. Prior to the closing date, the Commission plans to meet with interested parties in the South Auckland and Waikato regions to discuss the consultation process. The Commission also intends to undertake further consultation after receiving Transpower's GUP, as required by the Rules.
This page is related to: Transmission.