Transpower welcomes approval of Bunnythorpe-Haywards Upgrade

Transpower today welcomed the Commerce Commission’s approval for a $161m upgrade of transmission lines between its Bunnythorpe substation near Palmerston North and Haywards substation in Wellington. The existing conductor (wire) is reaching the end of its life due to coastal corrosion and it will be replaced in stages over the next five or six years.

Transpower General Manager Grid Development John Clarke said the project will help to ensure a reliable and safe electricity supply to the region.

“These lines are a very important piece of New Zealand’s National Grid as they are responsible for moving power between the North and South Islands across the HVDC link.

“The conductor on these lines needs to be replaced. The new conductor is more energy efficient with less electricity lost when transported through the lines. It is also able to provide some extra capacity into the wider Wellington region giving us flexibility for meeting future growth.”

“We are committed to delivering the project as efficiently as possible, within forecast timeframes and budgets. We will be continuously monitoring the most efficient methods to deliver the different components of the project,” he said.

Transpower expects to start construction next summer and will be working with individually affected landowners, as well as affected communities throughout the project.

The project is expected to be completed by 2020.

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