Transpower To Improve Power Supply in Hawkes Bay

Transpower announced today that it will begin improvements totalling $5.5million at Redclyffe, Whirinaki and Wairakei (Taupo) substations, and on the major transmission line into the Hawkes Bay region in September 2017. The work will improve reliability and resilience of power supply during lightning and snow events.

Since September 2000, there have been five events which resulted in significant interruptions to the Hawkes Bay and Gisborne Regions. Four of those events occurred during extreme weather events like lightning storms and snow storms.

Transpower General Manager Grid Performance Jim Tocher said that network records show that extreme weather events appear to be increasing in frequency, with four substantial events in the region between 2012-2016.

“The transmission line between Wairakei and Whirinaki traverses terrain which is highly susceptible to lightning strikes close to Taupo and snow and/or high winds closer to Whirinaki. We have analysed the reports from the previous events and have identified a number of improvements that we can make to help prevent or minimise the impact of these types of events on the region.”

“We have worked closely with our customers in the Hawkes Bay region during our investigations and on the possible upgrades available. We believe that we have identified a good solution for the region and look forward to helping minimise weather related impacts in the future. We aim to have these improvements in place by May 2018.”

“We will continue to work with Unison, Eastland Networks, Pan Pac, Genesis Energy and Contact Energy on investigations into future upgrades and alternative backup supplies for the Hawkes Bay Region,” he said.

Work will begin at Redclyffe substation in September and on the transmission line from Wairakei to Whirinaki between March-May 2018.

ENDS

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