Media statement Wednesday, January 31st, 2006

Go ahead for transmission upgrade welcome

Getting certainty into Transpower's plans to upgrade the high voltage electricity line from south Waikato to south Auckland is very welcome, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

The Electricity Commission has advised it will approve Transpower's proposed new transmission line.

"Though this is but the first step in a long process, it will lift business confidence in the future security of electricity supply," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"It's a critical step for long term investment in Auckland's industry and jobs.

"Eventually resource consents and other approvals will be required but this notice of approval means the project has passed a crucial hurdle.

"We are certain the grid's capacity is in need of the upgrade; it was last upgraded 40 years ago and since then the population has doubled and power usage has tripled.

"The upgrade is also needed to meet government's recently announced energy strategy which relies heavily on the transmission network to distribute renewable electricity generation to where its used."

Ends