Transpower: Law change not required

Law change not required

Transpower says it is not seeking special treatment for a proposed upgrade of the transmission network into the top of the South Island.

The national grid operator is planning a range of short and medium term investments to increase the capacity of the lines feeding Marlborough, Nelson, Buller and the West Coast.

These plans will meet the projected growth in electricity demand in the region and include an upgrade of the Islington to Kikiwa transmission line.

Transpower General Manager Public Affairs Wayne Eagleson says the company is confident that the upgrade will be undertaken in a timely manner.

“Over the coming months Transpower will be working with the communities and landowners involved to achieve the necessary resource consents and property rights.

“Transpower does not believe that a change in either the Resource Management Act or the Electricity Act is necessary for it to successfully complete the Islington to Kikiwa upgrade,” Wayne Eagleson said.

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