Transpower Reaches Agreement With Federated Farmers

Transpower welcomes agreement with Federated Farmers on a standardised compensation approach for a major transmission duplexing project in the Lower South Island. Transpower will be compensating those landowners whose farm operations are disrupted by duplexing or major construction associated with the work.

Transpower’s project, which will cost $170m, will upgrade key transmission lines between the Clutha River and the Waitaki River to assist with the connection of renewable generation in the region and meet increasing demand for electricity.

The works will include duplexing existing lines (adding another conductor), and replacing and strengthening some existing towers, and associated earthworks. The project is expected to be completed in 2015/2016, and is expected to provide sufficient electricity capacity in the lower South Island area for the next 15-20 years.

“When we undertake major upgrade works we recognise that our projects can disrupt farming operations,” said Transpower Chief Executive Patrick Strange. “We have standardised our compensation framework to recognise that impact and this is a positive step forward regarding our landowner relationships.”

Transpower worked with Federated Farmers at both a national and local level to reach agreement about compensation for the project.

“It’s been a constructive process of discussion and negotiation,” said Patrick Strange. “Both parties have made their best efforts and it’s good to get to this point. We still have other issues we need to resolve such as easement agreements. And we are making progress with that. Other sensitive issues are outside of this agreement, but we will keep talking.

“We have an important stakeholder relationship with Federated Farmers and with landowners who have our assets located on their land. We do want to listen to their concerns and discuss potential solutions,” he said.

ENDS

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